Sagal Abdi-Wali, a 42-year-old Somali-born politician, officially became London’s newest member of parliament on Monday after being sworn into Britain’s House of Commons.
Representing the central London constituency of Holborn and St Pancras, Abdi-Wali won the recent by-election to fill the seat previously held by former Prime Minister Keir Starmer.
Arriving in the United Kingdom as a child refugee, Abdi-Wali built her career in the London borough of Camden. Prior to becoming the local council leader, she dedicated years to working with area charities and educational institutions. Her political rise from refugee status to a prominent local government figure garnered significant support and interest across Britain’s Somali and broader African communities.
During the by-election, Abdi-Wali secured 45 percent of the vote. She finished ahead of Green Party leader Zack Polanski, who received 33 percent, while the Conservatives earned 7 percent and the anti-immigrant Reform Party garnered 6 percent.
Addressing her supporters during her victory speech, Abdi-Wali stated that she wants to tackle homelessness and opportunities for young people.
Following the announcement of her victory, Starmer’s successor Andy Burnham offered his congratulations, noting that he is looking forward to working with her.
