Reform UK selects former detective for Holborn and St Pancras by-election
Reform UK has chosen former Metropolitan Police detective Pete Newman to contest the Holborn and St Pancras by-election, vacated by Sir Keir Starmer, reports BritPanorama.
Newman, who previously served as a counter-terrorism commander and responded to the aftermath of the July 7 bombings, will now aim to secure the parliamentary seat. According to Reform UK, he led Met officers in Westminster with a focus on restoring normalcy and assisting local businesses in fortifying against potential terrorist threats.
Following his retirement, Newman has transitioned into a role as a professional security and investigative consultant, as noted by the party. In his announcement, he expressed that he is “humbled and honoured” to represent Reform UK, lamenting the current state of crime and policing in London.
He stated, “Residents no longer feel safe and our police officers are struggling to cope. Police stations are closing left, right and centre, yet Labour don’t care and our mayor continues to gaslight Londoners over their safety.” He pledged to restore a sense of security to Holborn and St Pancras, criticizing both Labour and the Green Party for their policies.
On the same day, the Conservatives and Liberal Democrats announced their candidates for the by-election, with Ewan Cameron, a former Camden councillor, representing the Tories and Patrick Stillman, a local Liberal Democrat councillor, running for the Lib Dems. Stillman also serves as the outgoing chairman of Camden Lib Dems.
Labour’s chosen candidate, Sagal Abdi-Wali, is currently the leader of Camden Council, while Green Party leader Zack Polanski will also contest the seat. Polanski may pose a significant threat to Labour’s long-standing hold on the constituency, which they have represented since its establishment in 1983.
Nominations for candidates are set to close on September 15, with the by-election scheduled for October 8.
