Somali-born former child refugee Sagal Abdi-Wali has been elected to the British Parliament after winning the Holborn and St Pancras by-election in central London, defeating Green Party leader Zack Polanski in a contest triggered by Keir Starmer’s resignation as an MP.

Abdi-Wali, who grew up in London after arriving in Britain as a child refugee from Somalia, secured 12,292 votes, representing about 45% of the total, to claim the seat for the governing Labour Party.

Polanski received 8,928 votes, or approximately 33%.

The Conservative candidate, Ewan Cameron, received 7% of the vote, while Reform UK’s Pete Newman secured about 6%, according to the official results.

Before entering Parliament, Abdi-Wali served as leader of Camden Council, building a political career focused on local communities and public services.

Her victory marks her transition from local government to national politics.

In her victory speech, Abdi-Wali highlighted diversity, inclusion and the importance of ensuring that people from different backgrounds feel they belong in Britain.

She also pledged to tackle homelessness and improve opportunities for young people.

Her election comes amid a competitive contest between Labour and the Greens in the constituency, with Polanski personally standing as his party’s candidate.

Prime Minister Andy Burnham congratulated Abdi-Wali on her victory and said he looked forward to working with her.

The by-election was held on October 8, with Abdi-Wali officially elected as MP the following day.