Green Party leader contests London byelection amid drilling row

Green Party leader Zack Polanski has been selected as his party's candidate for the Holborn and St Pancras byelection, framing the contest as a referendum on North Sea drilling. The byelection, scheduled for October 8, was triggered by former Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer's resignation from Parliament. Polanski stated that potential government approval of the Jackdaw gas field during the election period is "really outraging people" in the constituency. He argued that voters would "struggle to get excited about another Labour MP" and that a Green vote would send a message against adding to Prime Minister Andy Burnham's majority. The government has faced speculation that a decision on the Jackdaw field, which had been expected as soon as Tuesday, will be delayed until after the byelection. A Department for Energy Security and Net Zero spokesperson said the department does not comment on speculation and that any decision will consider evidence and public representations. The spokesperson added that the North Sea remains a vital national asset and oil and gas will continue to play an important role in the energy system.