Green Party leader Zack Polanski speaks as candidate for the Gorton and Denton by-election Hannah Spencer is announced in Manchester, England, Friday, Jan. 30, 2026. via Associated Press
Zack Polanski has confirmed he wants to run for Keir Starmer’s old seat.
The Green Party leader announced on Thursday that he wants to be the next MP for the north-west London constituency, Holborn and St Pancras.
He is likely to be chosen by local Green members to be their candidate in the crunch by-election next week.
The London Assembly member told the local newspaper Camden New Journal that he hopes to be on the ballot paper in the upcoming by-election, two days after the ex-prime minister announced his resignation.
Polanski told the paper: “This by-election is a chance for this community to make history.”
The Greens have never won a seat in the capital before, but have secured council seats in London and overall control of other boroughs.
“I have lived and worked in this community over many years, I know it well and I love it,” Polanski continued.
“It represents so many of the things that make London so special. I am so excited by the prospect of representing this place in parliament.”
“Holborn and St Pancras has everything that’s the best of our country and so much potential,” the Green leader said.
“But for too long now it’s been held back by governments who have failed to make the changes to improve people’s lives.
“We know that the Greens can win here, and by electing me, voters will have someone who will always fight their corner – never scared of big donors or the party whip.
“Too often Labour has stood up for corporations and big money. I will stand up for people struggling to pay their bills.”
In a post on X, Polanski shared the Camden New Journal article and added: “Labour stands up for corporations and big money. I’ll stand up for people and our communities.”
A date for the by-election has not been confirmed.
Starmer won the historically Labour seat with a comfortable majority at the 2024 general election, but his closest challenger was independent candidate Andrew Feinstein.
However, shortly after Polanski’s announcement, he wrote on X: “Personally I welcome this news and believe Zack will be an excellent candidate.
“Unfortunately I am not in a position to stand this time round.
“The Camden Peoples Alliance, the community group created out of my campaign against Starmer, will meet next week to formally decide our position.
“This is a crucial time for progressives in Camden and across the country to be united.”
Polanski’s remarks come after widespread speculation that the high-profile party leader would consider running for the London seat.
Polanski has consistently said he would only think about getting into the Commons if a constituency in the capital came up.
He told HuffPost UK previously that he would also not run against veteran Labour MP Diane Abbott in her constituency of Hackney because he thinks she’s “wonderful”.
This is a breaking news story. Check back for updates or follow HuffPost UK on X at @HuffPostUK or on Facebook.
Related…