Somali-born Sagal Abdi-Wali has been sworn in as a member of the United Kingdom’s House of Commons, representing the London constituency of Holborn and St Pancras.
The 42-year-old was elected in last week’s by-election to replace former British Prime Minister Keir Starmer as the constituency’s Member of Parliament.
Abdi-Wali arrived in Britain as a child refugee and spent much of her life in the London borough of Camden. Before entering parliament, she worked with charities and schools and later became leader of the local council.
Her election attracted significant attention among Britain’s Somali and wider African communities, highlighting her journey from childhood refugee to a senior local government figure and now a member of parliament.
Abdi-Wali secured 45 per cent of the votes cast, defeating Green Party leader Zack Polanski, who received 33 per cent. The Conservative Party polled seven per cent, while the anti-immigration Reform Party secured six per cent.
In her victory speech, Abdi-Wali pledged to focus on tackling homelessness and expanding opportunities for young people.
British Prime Minister Andy Burnham, who succeeded Starmer, congratulated Abdi-Wali following her victory and expressed his readiness to work with her.
Boluwatife Enome
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