Galloway entry sparks left-wing row in Starmer’s old seat

George Galloway

George Galloway’s decision to contest the Holborn and St Pancras by-election has triggered an internal Workers Party of Britain split, with deputy leader Chris Williamson resigning after opposing the move.

Galloway enters the battle after Green pressure

Galloway confirmed he would stand for the Workers Party of Britain after initially saying the party would only field a candidate if the Greens made an offer it could not refuse. He said he wanted to challenge Green Party leader Zack Polanski over his support for Ukraine and position on trans rights.

The decision has added another high-profile name to a crowded contest for Keir Starmer’s former constituency, with 15 candidates confirmed after nominations closed.

Chris Williamson

Williamson walks out over the decision

Williamson said he had “profoundly disagreed” with the decision to stand, arguing the left should instead support Polanski in an attempt to defeat Labour, Reform UK, the Conservatives and Liberal Democrats.

He praised Polanski’s positions on the economy, drugs, immigration and criminal justice, while acknowledging differences over the EU and Nato. Williamson said those disagreements should remain “fraternal” rather than prevent cooperation.

Labour faces a fragmented contest

The full candidate list includes Camden Council Labour leader Sagal Abdi-Wali, Conservative candidate Ewan Cameron, Reform UK’s Peter Newman, Polanski and Galloway.

Labour has held Holborn and St Pancras since the constituency was created in 1983, but the contest comes amid signs of movement among voters towards the Greens and independents, particularly over the Government’s approach to Gaza.

Polanski seeks to turn Green momentum into Westminster breakthrough

Polanski is seeking to build on the Greens’ performance in May’s local elections, when the party finished second behind Labour in council wards across the constituency.

He has said he is “confident but not complacent”, arguing voters have an opportunity to reject another Labour MP and elect a Green voice to hold the Government to account.

Galloway’s arrival now creates an additional battle on the left, with Williamson’s resignation exposing sharp disagreement over whether cooperation or confrontation is the best route to challenge Labour in Starmer’s former seat.

Huge row emerges in Holborn as George Galloway confirmed to run | The National