Polls close in Holborn as Zack Polanski mounts bid to defeat Labour in Keir Starmer's ex-seat

Polls have now closed in Holborn & St Pancras as Zack Polanski mounts his bid to enter the House of Commons.

Mr Polanski, who last stood in 2019 when he received just 728 votes in the Cities of London and Westminster, is hoping to overturn Sir Keir Starmer's 11,572 vote majority in the staunchly Labour-held seat.

The ex-Prime Minister resigned last month after admitting he was looking to focus his efforts on the world stage.

Labour opted to put forward local council leader Sagal Abdi-Wali as its candidate, while the Tories, Liberal Democrats, Reform UK and Restore Britain also fielded challengers in the seat.

The contest is regarded as a knife-edge battle between Labour and the Greens.

The result is expected to be declared between 3am and 4am.

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Greens release downbeat statement after by-election polls close

The Greens have issued their response to the polls closing in Holborn & St Pancras.

A Green Party spokesman said: "Zack would like to thank the thousands of volunteers who helped him in this campaign and the warm reception he received throughout the campaign from the people of Holborn and St Pancras.

"He would also like to pay tribute to Sagal, for a respectful campaign and for rising above the appalling racism she has had to endure. Despite our political differences, we stand in solidarity with you.

"Whatever the result later, we've run a positive campaign full of energy in what is one of Labour's safest seats. To be the main challenger shows how far the Greens have come.

"We know that many want to give the new Prime Minister a chance and for the Greens to keep them on a progressive track, on issues like rent controls, water nationalisation and the climate crisis.

"Whether we win or lose, this evening, keeping the pressure on the Labour government to deliver on these priorities will be our focus."

Labour issues immediate response to polls closing in Holborn & St Pancras

Labour has issued a response to the polls closing in Holborn & St Pancras.

Despite facing a threat from Green leader Zack Polanski, Education Secretary Lucy Powell said: "Our brilliant candidate Sagal Abdi-Wali and our fantastic Labour team have been telling our Labour story of hope.

"Sagal came to Britain as a child refugee, fleeing a war-torn country. Educated in great Labour Camden schools, she’s been giving back to her local community ever since.

"Sagal has campaigned positively on her plans to move Camden forwards, by ending rough sleeping, taking on vested interests in the water industry, and ensuring every young person has the opportunity they need to thrive.

"If the voters of Holborn and St. Pancras put their trust in Labour, I know that Sagal will work hard every day to make life better for each and every person across the constituency."