Green Party leader Zack Polanski faces internal challenge for Holborn and St Pancras nomination

Zack Polanski, the leader of the Green Party in England and Wales, is facing an internal challenge from local councillor Hamza Chowdhury to become the party's candidate in the by-election for Holborn and St Pancras. The seat was vacated by Sir Keir Starmer. Local Green Party members are expected to vote on the candidate this week, with a result anticipated on Friday.

Councillor Chowdhury, who represents the Holborn and Covent Garden ward, argues that the constituency needs an MP who is already present and accessible within the community. He stated that the area does not need another politician who arrives during a campaign and disappears once votes are counted. Chowdhury also noted that he has received nominations from six other Greens, meaning seven of the ten Greens on the Camden council oppose Polanski's selection. This opposition includes Lorna Russell, the Green group leader in Camden.

Mr. Polanski, a London Assembly member, expressed excitement about the prospect of representing the area in Parliament and stated that he has lived and worked in the community over many years. While Chowdhury emphasizes his local roots, reports indicate that Green party members in the seat are broadly supportive of Polanski standing.

The Greens are viewed as a significant threat to Labour in this contest. In the 2024 general election, Sir Keir Starmer won the seat with 48.9 percent of the vote, while an independent candidate took second place with 18.9 percent and the Greens finished third with 10.4 percent. A date for the by-election has not yet been set.