Somali-born politician Sagal Abdi-Wali has been sworn in as a UK Labour MP after winning the Holborn and St Pancras by-election, defeating Green Party leader Zack Polanski.
LONDON — Sagal Abdi-Wali, a Somali-born politician, was sworn in as a member of the British Parliament on Monday after winning a closely watched by-election for the London constituency of Holborn and St Pancras.
Abdi-Wali, representing the governing Labour Party, formally took the parliamentary oath in the House of Commons as lawmakers returned from their conference recess. Her swearing-in followed her victory in last Thursday’s by-election, which was triggered by former prime minister Keir Starmer’s resignation as a member of Parliament.
The 43-year-old secured 12,292 votes, or about 45.2 percent of the total, defeating Green Party leader Zack Polanski, who received 8,928 votes, according to official election results. Her majority was 3,364 votes.
Abdi-Wali pledged allegiance to King Charles III during the ceremony, promising to remain faithful to the monarch and his successors in accordance with the law. She was accompanied into the chamber by fellow Labour MP Liam Conlon, who helped coordinate the party’s by-election campaign.
Her victory retains the constituency for Labour following Starmer’s departure and comes amid a wider contest for support between Labour and the Greens, particularly among left-leaning voters in London.
Abdi-Wali’s personal background has also attracted attention during the campaign. She arrived in Britain from Somalia as a seven-year-old refugee and has lived in the London borough of Camden since the 1990s.
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Before entering Parliament, she served as leader of Camden Council, becoming its first Black female leader. She also held local government responsibilities, including work related to housing, and built her political career through community engagement and local Labour Party activities.
Following her election, Abdi-Wali said she hoped her victory would send a message about belonging and diversity in Britain. She also highlighted issues affecting local residents, including homelessness and youth employment.
The campaign was marked by fierce competition between Labour and the Greens. Polanski, who leads the Green Party, sought to capitalise on growing support for his party in parts of London. His defeat means he will remain outside Parliament despite leading his party nationally.
The result was also an early electoral test for Prime Minister Andy Burnham, who took office after Starmer resigned as prime minister in July. Labour’s win gives the party a parliamentary foothold in a constituency that had become a focus of attention because of the Greens’ challenge.
Abdi-Wali’s election is part of a series of parliamentary by-elections held since the 2024 general election. The result underscores the competition among Britain’s political parties as they seek to consolidate support in urban constituencies.
As the new MP takes up her responsibilities in Westminster, attention will turn to how she represents constituents in Holborn and St Pancras and whether Labour can maintain its support amid pressure from rival parties.
About the Author
Ahmed Omar is a senior journalist for Somali Report, based in Mogadishu. He has two decades of experience reporting on Somalia for international and local media. He covers politics, security, governance, business, trade, economic developments and regional affairs.
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