Reform UK's Worst Nightmare? Somali-Born Refugee Tipped to Take Starmer's Old Seat

Somali-born Camden resident Sagal Abdi-Wali has emrged as Labour's reported frontrunner for Keir Starmer's former MP seat for Holborn and St Pancras. Starmer recently stepped down to focus on international affairs.

Her potential candidacy has sparked debate, with some Britons questioning whether an immigrant can represent constituents in Camden. Reform UK quickly amplified the controversy, framing her rise as symbolic of Labour's broader diversity push and shifting political landscape.

Who Is Sagal Abdi-Wali?

Sagal Abdi-Wali was born in Somalia and fled the war-torn country with her family in the 1990s, settling in London when she was at least seven years old. She grew up in Camden and has long served the community through volunteer work with local charities and refugee community groups.

Abdi-Wali was first elected as Labour councillor in 2022, representing Camden Square ward. She was reelected in May and was chosen to take over the top post of Leader of Camden Council, becoming the UK's first Somali council leader and the first Black woman to lead Camden. Under her leadership, Camden secured official accreditation as a 'Borough of Sanctuary' for displaced people, a designation celebrated by campaigners as a milestone in inclusive local governance.

'(For) any sitting government, their next local elections are hard,' Abdi-Wali said in August. 'When you have a new government trying to implement long-term change after many years of austerity, it's going to be a difficult transition. It (the council elections) was ultimately a success because holding the council was the most important thing.'

Her rise has drawn both criticism and support. 'The frontrunner being foisted on the people of Holborn by Labour to replace the former Prime Minister Keir Starmer in our Parliament was born in Somalia. Do you understand what's happening?' asked Zia Yusuf, Reform UK's spokesperson for home affairs.

Journalist M.M. Dhoore, countered Yusuf: 'Yes, she was born in Somalia, but she is British, just as you, a Sri Lankan migrant child, became British. On the equality form, you identify as British Asian, and she identifies as British African.'

Stiff Competition for MP

The local elections in May unseated Richard Olszewski, who had been the Camden Council leader since 2024. The loss allowed Abdi-Wali to run and win the top post, becoming the current Leader of Camden Council.

The Holborn and St Pancras by-election has not been set yet. However, names have already been floated as candidates. Zack Polanski of the Green Party is touted to be Abdi-Wali's biggest competition.

The Camden Greens tie the Liberal Democrats for the second highest number of seats in the Camden London Borough Council. 'I am very excited for the next chapter for myself, for the Greens and for people across the country,' Polanski said recently.

Independent Andrew Feinstein may want to put his name back in the hat. He ran and lost against Starmer in the 2024 general election. He was the second highest vote-getter, receiving 7,312 votes compared to Labour's 18,884 votes.

Reform UK, too, has confirmed it will be fielding a candidate for the MP contest in Holborn and St Pancras but no name has been confirmed.