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Polanski defends leadership after Zionism row and by-election loss

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Labour sees off Green challenge to win Holborn by-election
Victory by Sagal Abdi-Wali in north London seat will be a relief for Andy Burnham in high-stakes battle for the left of British politics Holborn and St Pancras byelection – live updates Labour has seen off the Greens to win the Holborn and St Pancras byelection in a result that will relieve Andy Burnham and dent Zack Polanski’s position as a decisive power player on the left of British politics. The byelection, called after former prime minister Keir Starmer resigned from the seat in September, was considered a two-horse race between the Labour candidate, Sagal Abdi-Wali, and the Green party leader, Polanski. Abdi-Wali received 12,292 votes, 45% of the vote, to Polanski’s 8,928, 33% of the vote. Continue reading...

Labour wins Holborn and St Pancras byelection; Polanski ‘absolutely’ intends to remain Green party leader – UK politics live
Sagal Abdi-Wali defeats Green party leader Zack Polanski to retain the Holborn and St Pancras seat for Labour Labour fends off Green party to win Holborn and St Pancras byelection Activists in Camden have suggested the Greens’ decision to back the anti-Zionism motion has cost them votes in the byelection. Councillors for both Labour the Liberal Democrats told the Press Association that voters had informed them they would not be backing the Green party after it passed the motion last weekend calling Zionism racism. It is clear now we will come a close second in this by-election. Taking the fight to Labour in one of its safest seats shows just how far the Greens have come. Voters want us to keep Labour’s feet to the fire on affordable housing, public ownership of water and the climate crisis. Greens will be there every single day, holding Labour to account and demanding the change people v

British households would be £5,000 richer if we were more innovative. Let’s unleash our talents | Gordon Brown
We have a deep reservoir of assets, but struggle to turn small companies into global success stories. Innovation needs to be at the heart of government policy Gordon Brown was UK prime minister from 2007 to 2010 The coming 10 years are almost certain to be the decade that sees the greatest scientific breakthroughs in a century. The question is whether advances now under way in AI, quantum computing and biology can address cancer, find ways to treat or prevent dementia, and overcome the growing resistance to antibiotics. Can we find sustainable ways to address our energy needs and protect the environment at the same time? Can AI transform the way we deliver education, health and social care to the benefit of millions, as well as advance modern manufacturing strength? And what role can Britain’s inventors, investors and industrialists play in developing these transformative technologies? W

Chris Mason: Polanski faces greatest crisis of his leadership so far
The Green leader faces pressure over his response to a party motion declaring Zionism a form of racism, as well as his by-election loss.

Labour fends off Green party to win Holborn and St Pancras byelection
Victory by Sagal Abdi-Wali in north London seat will be a relief for Andy Burnham in high-stakes battle for the left of British politics Holborn and St Pancras byelection – live updates Labour has won the Holborn and St Pancras byelection in a high-stakes battle for the left of British politics. The byelection, called after the former prime minister Keir Starmer resigned the seat in September, was considered a two-horse race between the Labour candidate, Sagal Abdi-Wali, and the Green party leader, Zack Polanski. Abdi-Wali recieved 12,292 votes to Polanski’s 8,928. Continue reading...

NHS England mental health services review: what has it found and what does it recommend?
Prof Peter Fonagy’s 607-page report is categoric that mental distress has increased substantially and ‘cannot be explained by greater awareness alone’ Full report | NHS at risk of ‘system failures’ as demand for ADHD and autism care soars, inquiry finds Analysis | No ‘snowflakes’: mental health review says today’s youth have it harder and harms are real The Fonagy review of NHS England’s mental health, ADHD and autism services was commissioned in 2025 by Wes Streeting, then the health secretary, in response to growing concerns that spiralling waiting lists for assessment, diagnosis and care threatened the NHS’s ability to meet the demand. The 607-page report, published on Friday , says that without a radical overhaul, mental health and neurodiversity services will be overwhelmed. Here are some of its key findings and recommendations. Continue reading...