British-Indian councillor Rishi Madlani in race to succeed Keir Starmer as Labour MP

Sustainable finance professional and former Labour councillor Rishi Madlani has emerged as the only British Indian candidate seeking Labour’s nomination for the Holborn and St Pancras by-election, triggered by Keir Starmer’s resignation as the London constituency’s MP, PTI reportedMadlani, 44, has lived in the constituency for 25 years and is seeking to build his campaign around his local government experience, community work and professional background in climate action and sustainable finance.“Holborn and St Pancras have been my home for 25 years, where my politics were shaped, where my activism began and where my commitment to public service was forged,” Madlani told PTI.Starmer represented the constituency from 2015 until his resignation earlier this month. He said he was stepping down to focus on “international affairs”.Madlani has received support from Labour Indians and Labour Friends of India, which have highlighted the constituency’s links with the British Indian community.V K Krishna Menon, who served as a Labour councillor in St Pancras, became India's first High Commissioner to the UK in 1947. Labour Indians said Madlani’s candidacy reflected the continuing participation of British Indians in the Labour movement.Madlani said his decision to contest the seat was based on his political priorities and local experience, rather than his heritage alone.“I am standing because I believe I have something to offer this constituency and to the Labour movement,” he said.He said he would campaign for more affordable and social housing, stronger action on climate change and an economy that supports working people.“I know this community, I know what it means to serve residents as a councillor, I understand the pressures facing families, renters, workers and young people,” Madlani said.The constituency is expected to become a closely watched battleground. Green Party leader Zack Polanski is seeking to contest the seat, while Reform UK has faced criticism over comments concerning another Labour hopeful, former Somali refugee Sagal Abdi-Wali.Labour is expected to announce its shortlist and final candidate this week. The by-election is likely to be held in October.Catch the latest World News and Live updates. Download the TOI app.