Who is Sagal Cabdi-Waali: The Somali Woman Who Became a Member of the British Parliament?

Sagal Cabdi-Waali, who is originally from Somalia, has become one of the Somali women who has made history in British politics, after arriving in the country as a refugee when she was young, but years later succeeded in becoming a member of the British Parliament.

Sagal moved to Britain in the early 1990s, at a time when Somalia was experiencing a civil war, and she was then a young girl accompanied by her mother and four siblings, who fled their country due to the conflicts, seeking a peaceful life and a better future.

Her family settled in north London, specifically in the Camden area, where she grew up and built her new life. When she arrived in Britain, she did not speak English, but she gradually adapted to the community and her new environment.

The experience of being a refugee and the challenges her family faced became part of her understanding of the needs of vulnerable people and the importance of community support and life opportunities.

Before officially entering politics, Sagal worked on social issues, participating in charitable activities and supporting families and youth.

She also gained experience in school administration and community organizations, which enabled her to closely understand issues related to housing, homelessness, and job opportunities.

In 2022, she became a member of the Camden Local Council, representing the Labour Party, and she strengthened her political role, and in May 2026, she was elected as the leader of the Camden Local Council, becoming the first black woman to hold that position.

Another opportunity arose when the parliamentary seat for the Holborn and St Pancras constituency became vacant, after Keir Starmer left that seat in September 2026.

The Labour Party selected Sagal as its candidate for the by-election in that constituency, which took place on October 8, 2026.

The election result was a significant victory for Sagal, who received 12,292 votes, equivalent to 45.3 percent of the votes cast, defeating Zack Polanski, the leader of the Green Party, who received 8,928 votes.

This victory enabled her to become the new Member of Parliament for the Holborn and St Pancras constituency, located in the north of London.

In her election campaign, Sagal focused on housing issues, homelessness, and creating job opportunities for young people, while also emphasizing the importance of local people having political representation that understands their circumstances and needs.

Her experience on the Camden Council played a significant role in her campaign, as she promised to elevate the voices of local people to a national level.

The story of Sagal Cabdi-Waali exemplifies a life journey that began with displacement and culminated in a significant political achievement at the national level.

She overcame challenges related to displacement and adapting to a new community, ultimately reaching a level where she can participate in decision-making on issues affecting the lives of the people of Britain.

Her success also holds particular significance for the Somali community living in Britain and refugee children, as it demonstrates that individuals from refugee backgrounds can participate in the leadership and politics of the country they reside in.

Now there is the responsibility to represent the people of the Holborn and St Pancras area, with expectations that it will transform its community experience into effective action addressing the needs of the people it represents.