Puntland has congratulated Somali-born politician Sagal Abdi-Wali Mahmoud after she won the Holborn and St Pancras by-election in north London, securing the seat for the UK’s Labour Party following a contest against the Green Party.
Puntland’s acting president and vice president, Ilyaas Osman Lugatoor, praised Abdi-Wali’s victory, describing it as a historic achievement for Somalis living in the United Kingdom and an important milestone for their political representation.
In a statement, Lugatoor said he extended his congratulations to Abdi-Wali on her election to the British Parliament after winning the seat vacated by former Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer.
He said her success was a source of pride and encouragement for the Somali community in Britain, adding that it had opened a new chapter in Somali representation in the country’s political institutions.
Lugatoor also wished Abdi-Wali success in her parliamentary duties, expressing hope that she would provide effective leadership and play an important role in serving her constituents.
He further called on her to contribute to strengthening unity and integration between the Somali community and other communities in the United Kingdom.
Abdi-Wali, who leads Camden Council and arrived in Britain as a child refugee from Somalia, won 45% of the vote, defeating Green Party leader Zack Polanski, who received 33%. Labour’s majority fell from 11,572 at the 2024 general election to 3,364.
The by-election was triggered by Starmer’s departure from Parliament and was widely viewed as a test of Labour’s ability to retain support amid growing competition from the Greens.
Although the Greens finished second, their share of the vote increased by 22 percentage points compared with the 2024 general election.
In her victory speech, Abdi-Wali highlighted the importance of diversity and inclusion, saying she hoped her election would help people from different backgrounds feel represented in British public life.
Her victory has attracted attention among Somalis in the UK and abroad, highlighting the participation of people with Somali backgrounds in British politics and public service.