Zack Polanski, leader of Britain’s Green Party, is set to contest Holborn and St Pancras, the parliamentary constituency formerly represented by Prime Minister Keir Starmer, in what could become a significant test of the Greens’ growing influence on the British political left.
Polanski confirmed to the Camden New Journal that he would contest the constituency as the Green Party candidate at the forthcoming general election.
Holborn and St Pancras has traditionally been regarded as a safe Labour constituency and was retained by Starmer at the 2024 general election. However, Labour’s share of the vote declined considerably, reflecting growing competition from candidates on the party’s left and other political groups.
Polanski, announcing his intention to contest the seat in a post on X, criticised the Labour Party, saying it “stands up for corporations and big money”.
“I will stand up for people and our communities,” he said.
The 2024 election results indicated that Labour could face a more competitive contest in the constituency. An independent candidate who campaigned largely against Israel’s war in Gaza secured nearly 19 per cent of the vote, while the Green Party candidate won more than 10 per cent.
The results have fuelled expectations that the Greens could mount a stronger challenge when voters return to the polls.
Polanski’s decision also comes against the backdrop of increased support for the Green Party nationally. Since his emergence as party leader about a year ago, the Greens have sought to attract voters on Labour’s left, particularly those dissatisfied with the direction of the governing party.
The party’s prospects were further boosted by a surprise by-election victory in Greater Manchester, an area where current Prime Minister Andy Burnham served for several years as mayor.
Opinion polls have also suggested that the Greens are becoming a more significant force in British politics, with their national support reaching as high as 20 per cent in some surveys.
Despite the party’s rising support, Polanski has experienced a decline in personal popularity following controversy over comments he made concerning police officers involved in the arrest of a man accused of stabbing two Jewish people in north London in April, according to YouGov.
The issue has added to the political challenges facing the Green leader as he attempts to expand the party’s electoral appeal beyond its traditional base.
A YouGov poll released on Wednesday placed Labour and Reform UK, the right-wing populist party led by Nigel Farage, on 23 per cent each.
The Conservatives were on 20 per cent, while the Greens recorded 13 per cent.
The figures underline the increasingly fragmented nature of British politics, with the traditional dominance of the major parties being challenged by smaller parties and independent candidates.
For Polanski and the Greens, Holborn and St Pancras could therefore provide an important opportunity to demonstrate whether the party’s recent gains in national support can translate into parliamentary seats, particularly in constituencies where Labour faces pressure from its left.
The contest could also test the strength of Labour’s hold over one of its traditionally left-leaning constituencies and the extent to which the Greens can convert disillusionment among progressive voters into electoral support.
