The race to replace Keir Starmer in the Holborn and St Pancras seat has taken an unexpected turn, as Zack Polanski finds himself battling a rebellion within his own ranks. While the Green Party leader for England and Wales hopes to secure the nomination for the upcoming byelection on October 8, he is facing stiff resistance from local representatives who believe the constituency deserves a homegrown voice rather than a high profile politician.
Hamza Chowdhury, a Green representative on Camden council, has stepped forward to challenge Polanski’s bid, arguing that the area needs a representative who actually lives among its residents. In a candid social media post, Chowdhury claimed that seven of the ten local Green councillors oppose Polanski’s selection, including the group’s leader in Camden, Lorna Russell. He warned voters against choosing a candidate they would only ever see on a campaign leaflet, emphasizing instead his deep roots in the community and his first hand knowledge of local struggles like failing elevators and neglected streets.
The tension centers largely on geography and presence. Polanski currently resides in East London and has admitted that he does not intend to move into the constituency even if elected. When questioned about how he would manage the role from afar, Polanski pointed out that his flat in Hackney allows him to cycle into the area quickly, promising that he would remain visible through regular surgeries and active representation. Despite this assurance, critics argue that cycling distance is no substitute for living in the neighborhood.
Beyond internal friction, the timing of the vote presents a strategic headache for the Greens. With the election falling just one week after their national conference in Brighton, much of the party’s activist base may be away during the critical final days of campaigning. This logistical hurdle adds pressure to an already uphill battle; Polanski acknowledges that his party remains the underdog against a Labour stronghold where Starmer previously held an 11,000 vote majority. Local members are expected to cast their deciding votes on candidates later this week.
