Elham Asaad Buaras
Reform UK’s Zia Yusuf singled out the Somali birthplace of Sagal Abdi-Wali days before she was formally selected as Labour’s candidate for the Holborn and St Pancras by-election, prompting accusations of racism and a backlash from politicians including figures within Reform.
Yusuf, Reform UK’s Home Affairs Spokesperson, posted on X on September 2: “The frontrunner being foisted on the people of Holborn by Labour to replace the former prime minister Keir Starmer in our parliament was born in Somalia. Do you understand what’s happening?”
At the time, Abdi-Wali had not been selected. Labour members chose her a week later, on September 9, to contest the seat vacated by Starmer after he stood down as MP.
The post, reported to have been viewed around eight million times, prompted condemnation from politicians across the political spectrum and criticism from within Reform.
Business Secretary Jonathan Reynolds described Yusuf’s intervention as “pretty straightforward racism”, saying Abdi-Wali had spent decades in Britain and made a “huge contribution” to her local community. Asked whether it was plainly racist, he replied: “Absolutely.”
The comments also exposed divisions within Reform. Former Conservative minister Nadine Dorries, who joined Reform last year, described the post as “nasty”, while Reform’s London mayoral candidate Laila Cunningham said she had read Yusuf’s comment several times but did not understand what he meant.
“Of course, you know, that woman is British. She’s the leader of Camden council,” Cunningham said.
Reform’s Robert Jenrick, however, defended Yusuf’s intervention, describing it as a “legitimate question” about whether people not born in Britain who stand for Parliament would put the country’s interests first.
Yusuf has not publicly explained why Abdi-Wali’s birthplace was relevant to her candidacy. His post identified her Somali birthplace but did not point to her political record or public service as the reason for questioning her suitability to stand.
Abdi-Wali, 42, came to Britain from Somalia as a child in the 1990s and has lived in Camden for around 35 years. She was elected as a Labour councillor in 2022 and became leader of Camden Council in May this year. She has also chaired the local constituency Labour Party, worked for more than a decade as a volunteer and trustee for local charities, and served as a governor of two Camden schools.
Her selection has since been formally followed by the publication of the full field of candidates for the October 8 by-election. Reform has selected former Metropolitan Police detective Peter Newman, while Green Party leader Zack Polanski, Conservative Ewan Cameron and Workers Party leader George Galloway are among those also standing.
Following her selection, Abdi-Wali did not directly address Yusuf’s post in her public statement. The Muslim News contacted Abdi-Wali for comment but did not receive a response.
Instead, she highlighted her refugee background and long connection to the constituency.
“I am delighted that local members have put their trust in me to be Labour’s candidate in the area I’ve grown up in,” she said.
“This place welcomed my family as refugees and gave us hope when we needed it most.”
“I am so grateful to have had the opportunity to build a life here, serving our community as a councillor, school governor, and community activist. Now I am standing to say thank you and to give back the hope you gave me.”
“Throughout this campaign, I promise to put our communities at the heart of everything I do, now and for the future. Together, we can make hope win.”
As Camden Council leader, Abdi-Wali has held responsibility for housing and adult social care and worked with residents, businesses and organisations to secure more than £670 million for the borough’s social housing. Nearly £30 million has also been invested in retrofitting around 3,000 council homes, with reducing energy bills made a priority.
Labour’s by-election campaign lead, Liam Conlon MP, described her as a “fantastic local champion” with a record on council housing, homelessness and antisocial behaviour.
“She will be a powerful progressive voice for Holborn and St Pancras to work alongside our Labour Government to improve the lives for local people,” he said.
“Labour will run a positive campaign that brings people together and restores hope.”
The by-election will take place on October 8. Starmer had represented Holborn and St Pancras since 2015 and won the seat with a majority of 11,572 at the 2024 general election.
Abdi-Wali is now campaigning to become the constituency’s next MP, with the controversy over Yusuf’s intervention forming part of the wider contest.
