Somali-born Sagal Abdi-Wali sworn in as London’s newest MP

Somali-born politician Sagal Abdi-Wali was sworn in on Monday as the new Member of Parliament for Holborn and St Pancras in the United Kingdom’s House of Commons.

The 42-year-old secured victory in last week’s by-election, succeeding former Prime Minister Keir Starmer as representative of the central London constituency.

Abdi-Wali arrived in Britain as a child refugee and spent much of her life in the London borough of Camden. Before entering Parliament, she worked with charities and schools and later became leader of the local council.

Her election has attracted considerable attention among Somali and wider African communities in the UK, highlighting her journey from childhood as a refugee to a prominent role in local government and now national politics.

She won 45 per cent of the vote, defeating Green Party leader Zack Polanski, who obtained 33 per cent. The Conservative Party received 7 per cent, while the anti-immigration Reform UK secured 6 per cent.

In her victory speech, Abdi-Wali outlined her commitment to addressing homelessness and improving opportunities for young people.

Former Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s successor, Andy Burnham, congratulated her on the victory and expressed his eagerness to work with her.