From Somali Refugee to Labour Candidate: Sagal Abdi-Wali’s Remarkable Journey to Parliament

London (WDN) — In a remarkable story of resilience, opportunity and public service, the British Labour Party has selected Sagal Abdi-Wali, a Somali woman who arrived in Britain as a refugee as a child, as its candidate for the forthcoming by-election in Holborn and St Pancras.

The by-election is scheduled for October 8, following the resignation of former Prime Minister Keir Starmer as the constituency’s Member of Parliament on September 1. Starmer had represented the seat since 2015.

Sagal’s selection represents a remarkable milestone—not only in her personal journey, but also in the story of a Somali refugee who has risen through local public service to become a leading political figure in the very community that welcomed her family decades ago.

She has lived in Camden for nearly 35 years and currently serves as Leader of Camden Council. First elected as a councillor in 2022, she became council leader in May 2026, making history as the first Black woman to hold the position.