Lucy Powell, Deputy Leader of the Labour Party, announced at the Labour Party's annual conference in Liverpool that she is confident of her party's victory in the by-election in the Holborn and St Pancras constituency. This election follows the resignation of Keir Starmer, the former Prime Minister, and presents an opportunity for rival parties including the Green Party.
Challenge from the Green Party
Powell stated in her remarks at "Pub Politico" that the likelihood of success for Zack Polanski, the leader of the Green Party, in this election is "unlikely." She referred to past electoral records and reminded that in previous elections in Gorton and Denton, the Labour Party finished in third place, which was a disappointing result. However, she believes this time the situation will be different.
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Zack Polanski is recognized as a "person under pressure" in Holborn and St Pancras and has emphasized that the Green Party can change history by defeating the Labour Party. He pointed to the recent achievements of the Green Party in local elections, which have largely come at the expense of the Labour Party, and now controls six local councils in London.
Saqib Abdi-Wali and reclaiming voters
Powell further emphasized the importance of this election for the Labour Party and introduced Saqib Abdi-Wali as the best candidate. She said, "The Green Party has significantly underestimated Abdi-Wali's campaign" and described him as a "community champion" and a "community leader." Powell also expressed optimism about the positive atmosphere surrounding Abdi-Wali's campaign.
According to Powell, many Labour voters who left the party during Starmer's premiership are now looking back at the Labour Party under the leadership of Andy Burnham. She stressed that the Labour Party needs to re-engage leading and moderate voters who are tired of the status quo.
However, Powell also pointed to the challenges ahead, stating that the Labour Party has lost more working-class voters to the Green Party than to middle-class voters. She continued to speak about the necessity of reclaiming these voters but refrained from confirming any cooperation with the Green Party in upcoming elections.
The Green Party secured four parliamentary seats in the 2024 elections and added a fifth representative by winning the by-election in Gorton and Denton. Powell also referenced the criticisms from Nigel Farage, the right-wing representative, against Abdi-Wali due to his asylum status, stating that many voters in Holborn and St Pancras will vote for the Labour Party to reject such politics.
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