Burnham’s Labour scores win against Green Party challenge

British Prime Minister Andy Burnham’s Labour Party has retained the parliamentary seat previously held by former prime minister Keir Starmer, defeating a strong challenge from the Green Party in a by-election in central London.

Labour candidate Sagal Abdi-Wali won the Holborn and St Pancras constituency on Friday, securing 12,292 votes. Green Party leader Zack Polanski finished second with 8,928 votes. The result gives Burnham a political boost as he seeks to rebuild Labour’s support among voters who have become dissatisfied with the party.

The by-election was held after Starmer resigned as a member of parliament in September. He had previously been replaced as prime minister in July following growing criticism within his party over policy reversals, political setbacks and disappointing election results.

Labour had been expected to retain the constituency. However, the Green Party had emerged as a serious challenger after gaining support from left-leaning voters in London during the local elections in May.

Abdi-Wali, who leads the local council, paid tribute to Starmer in her victory speech. She also expressed her intention to work with Burnham on key issues, including housing.

She said the campaign had focused on hope and stressed that the party now had a responsibility to deliver on its promises to the public.

The result is an important test for Burnham as he attempts to restore confidence in Labour among urban voters. The party has faced growing competition from the Greens, who have attracted supporters dissatisfied with Labour’s policies.

Since becoming prime minister in July, Burnham has introduced policy proposals aimed at winning back voters on the left. These include a tougher position on Israel and plans for closer relations with the European Union. The changes appear to have helped Labour regain some support that had shifted towards the Greens.

Polanski had hoped to turn the by-election into a major breakthrough for his party. He has promoted a political approach described as “eco-populism”, seeking to combine environmental policies with wider social and economic concerns.

However, the defeat comes at a difficult time for the Green Party leader. The party has faced criticism following an internal vote on a motion declaring Zionism to be racism. The motion drew objections from Jewish organisations, rival parties and several Green lawmakers.

Polanski, who is Jewish, defended his position on Palestinian rights after the result but declined to say whether he supported the controversial motion. He acknowledged disappointment over the defeat and confirmed that he would remain the party’s leader.

He also said the Greens would continue to expand their support despite failing to win the parliamentary seat.