Holborn and St Pancras byelection loss will disappoint Greens – but there may also be relief

It may sound odd to think Zack Polanski would be happy with second place, but after the most challenging week of his political life it could have been worse

• Holborn and St Pancras byelection – live updates
• Labour’s Abdi-Wali fends off Polanski and Green party to win byelection

Parliamentary byelections can generate all sorts of emotional responses, often very strong ones. But for the main contenders in Holborn and St Pancras, the feeling this morning might be more prosaic: relief.

For Labour, Sagal Abdi-Wali’s victory with just over 45% of the total vote was widely expected, but it allows the party to credibly claim Andy Burnham as a politician able to reach people in both Reform-leaning areas such as Makerfield, and in Green-friendly inner cities.

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