Zack Polanski told Green defeat could be 'curtains for his leadership' as party concedes defeat
Results are soon expected in the Holborn and St Pancras by-election.
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.
Counting has largely concluded, with a result expected to be returned within half an hour.
The Conservatives have predicted it will be "curtains" for Green leader Zack Polanski if he loses the ballot.
The Green Party has already conceded that Labour will win the by-election, throwing Mr Polanski's leadership into question.
A Green spokesman said: "It is clear now we will come a close second in this by-election.
"Taking the fight to Labour in one of its safest seats shows just how far the Greens have come."
And a Tory spokesman said: "The Greens and Labour have tried to make this by-election about the Middle East and drive our communities apart.
"The Greens especially have descended into the sectarian gutter with their contemptible antisemitic Conference motion.
"Instead, Ewan Cameron has run a relentlessly positive campaign focused on the issues that really matter to voters in Holborn and St Pancras: crime, housing and the cost of living.
"If Zack Polanski fails to win this by-election, it will surely be curtains for his leadership of the party. We hope it also marks the end of the Green Party’s sorry embrace of antisemitism."
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BREAKING: The Green Party concedes Holborn and St Pancras by-election
The Green Party has conceded the Holborn and St Pancras by-election, admitting its leader Zack Polanski will not top the ballot.
A Green spokesman said: "It is clear now we will come a close second in this by-election.
"Taking the fight to Labour in one of its safest seats shows just how far the Greens have come.
"Voters want us to keep Labour's feet to the fire on affordable housing, public ownership of water and the climate crisis.
"Greens will be there every single day, holding Labour to account and demanding the change people voted for."
Zack Polanski arrives at count
Green Party leader Zack Polanski has arrived at the Holborn and St Pancras by-election count on a night which may throw his leadership into question.
The Conservatives have suggested it could be "curtains" for his leadership if he fails to win the seat, and former leader Caroline Lucas said the public should "see what happens in the coming days and weeks" when asked about Mr Polanski's future.
Some Camden councillors have said the "Zionism is racism" motion, which Mr Polanski did not vote on, cost him the seat.
Founder of Electoral Calculus Dr Martin Baxter analyses Holborn and St Pancras's demographics
Founder of Electoral Calculus Dr Martin Baxter has dived into how the demographics of Holborn and St Pancras might affect this by-election.
The election analyst told GB News Sir Keir Starmer's former seat had a higher percentage of Jewish and Muslim voters than much of the UK.
He said: "An interesting fact is that Holborn and St Pancras is one of the most Jewish seats in the country.
"It's in the top 20 with 2 per cent of the population being Jewish, but it's also one of the most Muslim seats in the country as well.
"It's in the top 40 of our seats by ranking by the number of people who believe in Islam, and it's got 22 per cent of the people in the seat are Muslims.
"So the Muslims outnumbering the Jews by 10 to one."
He also noted its constituents were slightly younger than average, slightly less employed, low on home and car ownership, and that 75 per cent of the seat voted to remain in the EU.
Result expected in Holborn and St Pancras by-election
A result is soon expected in the Holborn and St Pancras by-election, with some suggesting it could return in less than an hour.
It appears there is little counting to be done in the constituency.
Labour quietly believes its candidate Sagal Abdi-Wali has held the seat from challenger and Green Party leader Zack Polanski.
The full list of candidates is as follows:
- Communist League: Jonathan Silberman
- Conservatives: Ewan Cameron
- Christian Peoples Alliance: Helen Spiby-Vann
- Climate Party: Clare Fisher
- Green Party: Zack Polanski
- Official Monster Raving Loony Party: Barmy Brunch
- Independent: Tom Darwood
- Labour: Sagal Abdi-Wali
- Liberal Democrats: Patrick Stillman
- Reform UK: Pete Newman
- Rejoin EU Party: Briony Kapoor
- Restore Britain: Tyler Johnson
- UK VOICE: Ketankumar Pipaliya
- UKIP: Ben Walker
- Workers Party: George Galloway
Former Tory MP Nick Fletcher tells GB News Conservatives will 'do more than keep our deposit'
Former Tory MP Nick Fletcher has told GB News the Conservatives will "do more than keep our deposit".
Mr Fletcher admitted his party had previously "lost its way", but said after the Tory Conference the Tories were "back where we should be".
He said: "Kemi's speech was fantastic. And I hope people will see the party's taking the right direction now. And some of those voters that have gone to Reform will come back over to us."
He added that people had been "so disheartened" with the Labour Party, with some voters who "just will not put a cross in that box anymore".
When asked by GB News if he expected his party to keep its deposit, he said: "[We'll] do more than keep our deposit. I'm sure of that."
He added: "We will definitely keep our deposit, that's for certain."
Green Party says there are 'ups and downs' after former leader Caroline Lucas hit out at Zack Polanski
A Green Party source has said there are "ups and downs in politics" after former leader Caroline Lucas criticised Zack Polanski for not voting on the "Zionism is racism" motion which has split the party.
Earlier tonight, Mrs Lucas said the current Green Party leader should "have been there and he should have voted" on the motion, and when asked if he should resign, did not rule out the idea.
Responding, a Green source said: "There are ups and downs in politics and when people are passionate they disagree in the heat of a campaign
"We do things differently - unlike Labour who use anonymous sources and resort to factionalism."
Another Green source said Mr Polanski had "energised this party and will continue to do so".
They said: "We had over 1,000 activists on the ground today.
"Zack has shown he has energised this party and will continue to do so. He not only is putting key issues that voters care about on the agenda but he is making a Labour government shift position as well.
"Labour have spent this whole election running scared of Greens. This is just a taste of British politics between now and the next General Election."
Founder of Electoral Calculus Dr Martin Baxter suggests Green have 'peaked' in London
Founder of Electoral Calculus Dr Martin Baxter has told GB News the Green Party may have "peaked" in London.
Weighing in on the Holborn and St Pancras by-election, Dr Baxter said Zack Polanski's party hit its peak in April but has been sliding in support ever since.
Labour, meanwhile, have been bolstered by the so-called "Burnham boost" ever since Andy Burnham entered Downing Street, he said.
Comparing tonight's by-election to Makerfield, Dr Baxter said: "Now, the Greens might be hoping that something like that happens this evening. They've got a very high profile candidate. They've got their actual leader rather than a putative leader.
"And so there's the possibility of Greens get excited that they'll turn out and vote. But against that is the problem that the Greens have peaked as it were in London, are roughly back in April.
"They were doing very well then. They might have won the seat if there had been a general election in April.
"But they've been sliding in support since, as Andy Burnham has bounced up in the polls after he's taken over from Keir Starmer, whose departure has resulted in this by election in the first place."
Green Party puts on brave face ahead of results
The Green Party has put on a brave face and focused on the positives after the turnout was revealed.
Sources from the party have said the Greens said the party, and its leader Zack Polanski, would not have been in the mix just a year ago.
They emphasised that Holborn and St Pancras has been a safe Labour seat for over four decades, and believe to be ahead in some wards.
The sources estimate the Green Party has tripled its vote share since the 2024 General Election, but it should be noted pro-Gaza independent Andrew Feinstein, who came second in the 2024 ballot, is not standing in the by-election.
Earlier today, councillors in Camden suggested the Greens' "Zionism is racism" motion had cost Mr Polanski election.
Elsewhere in Britain, Labour is winning council by-elections
Elsewhere in the UK, Labour is winning council by-elections.
This includes the Town ward in the Newcastle-under-Lyme borough council by-election, where the party gained a seat from Reform with 46.2 per cent of the vote.
And in Lambeth council, the ward of Myatt's Fields has been held by Labour with 46.7 per cent of the vote.
By-election turnout lower than 2024
Turnout at the 2026 Holborn and St Pancras by-election is 38.76 per cent.
There were 27,039 votes cast in the ballot which may throw Zack Polanksi's Green Party leadership into jeopardy.
This is significantly lower than the 2024 General Election turnout of 54.1 per cent.
All ballot boxes back from polling stations as Labour quietly confident
All ballot boxes are back from polling stations as the count continues.
Sources at the count suggest a lower turnout than the General Election.
Labour is quietly confident its candidate, Sagal Abdi-Wali, has held the seat with 40 per cent of votes or more.
The Liberal Democrats, meanwhile, may receive fewer votes than Restore, sources have told GB News.
Restore Britain candidate Tyler Johnson tells GB News he was allegedly assaulted on campaign trail
The Restore Britain candidate for Holborn and St Pancras Tyler Johnson has alleged he was assaulted "multiple times" during the campaign.
He told GB News his campaign manager was allegedly "scalded with hot water" and pushed while distributing leaflets in another constituency.
Asked about Zack Polanski's prospects, Mr Johnson said the Green Party had "shot themselves in the foot" by passing the "Zionism is racism" motion.
He said: "I don't think that people take Zack seriously. I don't think people take the Green Party seriously, but they hold a vote and they share opinions with a lot of the electorate in this area about international politics, which we don't care about. We care about Britain."
When asked if the Greens had featured environmental issues on their campaign material, the Restore candidate said he had not noticed any.
He said: "I mean, if we want to talk about the environment, there is so much litter and trash in the area, and I don't think that's one of their priorities - if I've seen their brochure and leaflets correctly.
"Our priorities are going to be reducing crime and giving social housing to Britons, and putting more officers on the street to stop and search people with knives.
"Of course, dealing with the parking issues, but I've seen nothing with them about climate.
"I've actually seen more things about Gaza and Israel. We don't care. We put Britain first."
Camden councillors suggest Green Party 'Zionism is racism' motion cost Zack Polanski by-election
Camden activists and councillors on the ground have suggested the Green Party's "Zionism is racism" motion cost Zack Polanski the by-election.
Councillors for both Labour and the Liberal Democrats said voters had informed them they would not be backing the Green Party after it passed the controversial motion which Mr Polanski did not vote on.
One councillor said people had been "clearly angry" about the issue when they had spoken to them while canvassing.
Leader of the Climate Party tells GB News Greens are 'extremely distracted'
The leader of the Climate Party, Ed Gemmell, whose party is also standing in the by-election, told GB News the Green Party was, under Zack Polanski, "extremely distracted" away from environmental issues.
He told GB News: "We're entirely focused on climate, nature and the clean industry, and we think the Greens have completely left that space alone.
"Now they're totally distracted by everything else. Recent events are suggesting that they are extremely distracted. They can't even avoid what was potentially embarrassing politically."
Mr Gemmell said if current Green MP Adrian Ramsay - who opposed the "Zionism is racism" motion - was standing in the seat, he may not have challenged it at all.
"But we are specifically standing to put a message across to Zach Polanski," the Climate Party leader said.
"If you don't become more environmental, if you don't get back to the roots of the Green Party, we'll keep standing."
Mr Gemmell also suggested his small upstart party was receiving votes from disillusioned Greens and some ex-Conservative voters who are upset Kemi Badenoch has abandoned its Net Zero commitments.
Andy Burnham says Green Party 'Zionism is racism' motion was 'completely wrong decision'
Andy Burnham, earlier today, said the Green Party's "Zionism is racism" motion was the "completely wrong decision" and called on the party to reverse course.
He said: "I think it was the completely wrong decision, a terrible judgement on the part of the Green Party of England and Wales, in effect ruling out a two state solution between Israel and Palestine, and for that reason shouldn't be supported in any way, shape or form.
"And I would call on the leadership of the Green Party to say that it will be reversed and it won't be Green Party policy.
"In my view, all political parties in the UK should do everything they can to support the two state solution between Israel and Palestine, and that certainly will remain the government's position, and it's something we have reinforced strongly in recent weeks."
Asked if the motion ruled out a future Labour-Green coalition, he said it was not something he would get into, but made clear the Government's view "in relation to the wrongness of that resolution and the importance of the two state solution".
Former Green Party leader Caroline Lucas does not rule out Zack Polanski standing down
Caroline Lucas, a former Green Party leader and its first MP in the Commons has not ruled out Zack Polanksi standing down after the by-election.
Mrs Lucas expressed her disappointment with Mr Polanski's leadership after he did not vote in the party's controversial "Zionism is racism" motion.
She said: "He should have been there and he should have voted. And I would have hoped he would be a really strong critic of this motion, because this motion was flawed from top to bottom in my view.
"It's dangerous, it's divisive, it tries to have a singular definition of Zionism."
And when asked by BBC Newsnight if she believed he should stand down, she said: "I think let's just see what happens in the coming days and weeks."
She added: "I want him to speak now about what's happened, I want him to show the leadership that was frankly missing on Sunday, I think the jury is out on whether or not he will do that."
Zack Polanski releases pessimistic statement as Labour expects hold
Zack Polanski has released a statement seeming to downplay his chances of victory as Labour sources indicate confidence.
"What a campaign," the Green Party leader said on social media. "Thank you to the 1,000+ volunteers today and everyone throughout the campaign.
"The Green Party got 10 per cent last time.
"Whatever happens tonight - we made Labour work like they never have before. I'm so proud of you all."
Labour sources, meanwhile, told the New Statesman they expect a hold between 1,000 and 3,000 votes.
This would represent a three to eight point hold, according to the magazine.
Liberal Democrats by-election candidate thanks supporters as polls close
Liberal Democrats candidate Patrick Stillman has issued his response to the polls closing in the Holborn & St Pancras by-election.
In a post shared on X, Mr Stillman said: "All that's left to say is thank you. Thank you to the lovely reception we've received on the doors these last few weeks, and thank you to our team. We wouldn't have been able to do this without you.
"Whether you've stuffed some envelopes, written a few blue letters, or come and knocked on some doors, we really hope you've had the best time, and it's been fantastic to campaign alongside you.
"The work our team do on the council has been felt across this constituency, and you can really feel that on the doors.
"So we're going to keep up that momentum, and you're going to see a lot more of us in Holborn & St Pancras."
Zack Polanski's Green Party referred to EHRC over 'Zionism is racism' motion as ex-leader considers quitting
Zack Polanski's Green Party has been referred to the Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) after voting in a "Zionism is racism" motion at their party's conference on Sunday.
The Campaign Against Antisemitism (CAA) group has referred the party on the basis that the Party has "discriminated against Jewish members and/or associates" and "continues to do so" contrary to sections of the Equality Act 2010.
Green Party members voted 1,022 to 813 and passed the motion, which defined "Zionism is racism" and adopted it without substantive amendment.
Party leader Zack Polanski did not take part in the vote but released a statement after the motion passed.
Zack Polanski's leadership on the brink as knife-edge race looms
Zack Polanski's leadership could take a huge hit of the Green Party leader fails to win in Holborn & St Pancras.
Mr Polanski, who is standing in his first parliamentary seat since 2019, was rocked with a deluge of resignations ahead of polls opening in the North London seat.
A conference motion on whether to define "Zionism as racism" triggered Mr Polanski's leadership instability, with Welsh Green deputy leader Phil Davies and Amnesty International UK chief Sandy Ruthven both tendering their respective resignations.
Despite speculation of a by-election defeat forcing Mr Polanski to quit, the Green leader remains adamant he will remain in place.
Speaking ahead of polling day, Mr Polanski said: "It doesn’t depend on it whatsoever… I think it’s probably 50-50 right now."
However, four out of five Green MPs oppose the "Zionism is racism" motion.
The party has since been reported to the Equality & Human Rights Commission.
Conservatives predict 'curtains' for Zack Polanski if Green leader loses by-election
The Conservatives have predicted it will be "curtains" for Green leader Zack Polanski as polls close in the Holborn & St Pancras by-election.
A Conservative Party spokesman said: "The Greens and Labour have tried to make this by-election about the Middle East and drive our communities apart.
"The Greens especially have descended into the sectarian gutter with their contemptible antisemitic Conference motion.
"Instead, Ewan Cameron has run a relentlessly positive campaign focused on the issues that really matter to voters in Holborn and St Pancras: crime, housing and the cost of living.
"If Zack Polanski fails to win this by-election, it will surely be curtains for his leadership of the party. We hope it also marks the end of the Green Party’s sorry embrace of antisemitism."
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."
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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