Voting opens in Holborn and St Pancras parliamentary by election

Voting has opened in the Holborn and St Pancras by election in north London on 8 October 2026, BBC News and the Guardian report. Polling stations opened at 07:00 BST and will close at 22:00, at which point the counting of votes will begin, according to BBC News. [1][2][8]

The parliamentary seat became vacant after former prime minister Sir Keir Starmer resigned on 1 September 2026 to focus on an international affairs role, BBC News reports. About 30 polling stations are open in churches and community centres across the constituency. BBC News reports that 15 candidates are standing in the contest, including one independent, and voters must show photo identification to cast a ballot. [1][8]

Candidates from across the political spectrum are competing in the election, BBC News notes. Green Party leader Zack Polanski is standing for his party, while Labour is seeking to retain the seat, according to the Guardian. The Guardian reports that the contest is viewed as a test of Andy Burnham to energise voters and whether the Greens can draw support from the left of the Labour Party. [1][2]