George Galloway hit by growing backlash for standing against Zack Polanski in Holborn by-election

The Leader of the Workers Party of Britain has been accused by some of his supporters of risking splitting the Left-leaning, anti-Labour vote.

Chris Williamson criticised George Galloway’s decision to stand in the Holborn and St Pancras by-election

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Mr Williamson posted on X: “I have...resigned from the Workers Party of Britain because I profoundly disagree with the decision to stand in the Holborn and St Pancras by-election.

“I have a huge amount of respect for George Galloway, but I believe we should get behind Zack Polanski on this occasion.”

Cllr Giles, Leader of the Kingston Independent Residents' Group, messaged on X: “Blocked by @georgegalloway for stating my position on Holborn & St Pancras: I want Labour defeated, and the only way of doing that is a vote for @ZackPolanski and the Greens.

“I say this as George’s former Chief of Staff in Parliament.”

Councillor James Giles

James Giles

Mr Galloway says he is standing against Mr Polanski as he claims the Green Party leader is “a supporter of NATO...a supporter of Zelensky.....because he wants and supports the continuation of the NATO war on Russia.”

Bookies have Labour’s candidate Sagal Abdi-Wali, leader of Camden Council, as favourite to win the by-election on October 8.

Labour's candidate for the Holborn and St Pancras by-election, Sagal Abdi-Wali, speaks to supporters during her campaign launch

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Sir Keir Starmer gained 18,884 votes, with the Greens far behind in third place with 4,030.

In a boost to Mr Polanski, Mr Feinstein has urged people who supported him two years ago to vote Green at the by-election triggered by Sir Keir standing down as the local MP after being forced out of No10 by a Labour revolt.

If the vast majority of these voters backed Mr Polanski, it could put him close to a historic election victory.

Mr Galloway, 72, is still popular among some Left-leaning and Muslim voters.

Zack Polanski campaigning in Holborn and St Pancras

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The constituency of Holborn and St Pancras has been Labour since its creation in 1983, having been represented by just two MPs, Sir Keir and former Health Secretary Frank Dobson.

Hundreds of Labour and Green activists have been pouring onto the streets of north London as both parties ramp up their campaigns.