Somali-born Sagal Abdi-Wali has been sworn in as the newest member of Britain’s House of Commons after winning a by-election in the London constituency of Holborn and St Pancras.
The 42-year-old replaces former prime minister Keir Starmer, who previously represented the central London constituency.
Abdi-Wali arrived in Britain as a child refugee and spent much of her life in Camden, where she worked with charities and schools before becoming leader of the local council.
Her election attracted significant attention from Britain’s Somali and wider African communities, with her journey from refugee to senior local government leader becoming a central part of her public story.
Abdi-Wali won 45% of the vote, defeating Green Party leader Zack Polanski, who received 33%. The Conservatives secured 7%, while the anti-immigration Reform Party received 6%.
In her victory speech, Abdi-Wali said tackling homelessness and improving opportunities for young people would be among her priorities.
Prime Minister Andy Burnham congratulated Abdi-Wali following her victory and said he looked forward to working with her in Parliament.
Main Image: Somalia Today
