- Sagal Abdi-Wali, a former Somali child refugee who grew up in Camden, won the Holborn and St Pancras by-election on October 8, 2026
- The 42-year-old Labour politician secured 45.2% of the vote, defeating Green Party leader Zack Polanski to claim the seat once held by Keir Starmer
- Her victory drew an outpouring of pride from Somali and wider African communities, who called it a milestone for representation and women's leadership
Sagal Abdi-Wali, a 42-year-old Labour politician who arrived in Britain as a child refugee from Somalia in the 1990s, has made history as the first Somali-born woman to win a seat in the United Kingdom Parliament.
Source: Facebook
Abdi-Wali was formally sworn in as a Member of Parliament on Monday, October 12, 2026, taking the oath in the House of Commons just days after her by-election victory in Holborn and St Pancras, the north London constituency previously represented by Prime Minister Keir Starmer.
Abdi-Wali grew up in Camden after fleeing Somalia's civil war as a child. Before entering national politics, she built her career through work with charities and schools, eventually rising to lead Camden Council.
How many votes did Abdi-Wali get?
Her journey back to the constituency where she spent her formative years, this time as its elected representative in Westminster, has resonated deeply with Somali communities both in the UK and across the world.
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The October 8 by-election was called after Starmer resigned his parliamentary seat in September following his appointment as Prime Minister.
Abdi-Wali won with 12,292 votes, representing 45.2% of the total cast, comfortably ahead of Green Party leader Zack Polanski, who finished second with 8,928 votes.
What are Abdi-Wali's priorities in parliament?
In her victory speech, Abdi-Wali said her priorities in Parliament would centre on housing, tackling homelessness and creating opportunities for young people.
Her campaign was noted for its tone, with supporters praising her composure in the face of what were described as attacks and hostility throughout the contest.
BRICS News, which shared the post celebrating her win, described her approach as one that "chose hope over division and leadership over negativity."
Women's representation for the next generation of British Somalis
Commentators across social media echoed similar sentiments, calling her victory a powerful moment for women's representation and for the next generation of British Somalis.
"You have not only won an election," one post read. "You have opened doors and inspired generations."
Her election has drawn particular attention among African communities in Britain, many of whom see her story as evidence that background and beginnings need not limit what is possible in public life.
100 Most Influential Somali People Awards
In another story, TUKO also highlighted facts about Somali Magazine’s 8th annual 100 Most Influential Somali People Awards, including its eight categories and nominations open until November 20, 2026.
The organiser cited Eastleigh’s daily M-Pesa transactions of up to KSh 5 billion as a measure of the community’s economic influence.
Source: TUKO.co.ke