Newly elected UK MP Sagal Abdi-Wali/SCREENGRABHealth Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale has congratulated Sagal Abdi-Wali following her election to the United Kingdom Parliament, describing her victory as an inspiration to women, young people and the Somali community worldwide.
In a congratulatory message on Friday, Duale described Abdi-Wali’s achievement as a proud moment for her family and the wider Somali community in the UK and beyond.
“Congratulations to Sagal Abdi-Wali on your remarkable victory and election to the UK Parliament! This is a proud and historic achievement, not only for you and your family but also for the entire Somali community in the UK and around the world,” Duale said.
He added that her success was an example for women and young people aspiring to make a difference through leadership and public service.
“Your success is a powerful inspiration to women, young people, and future generations who dream of making a difference through leadership and public service,” he said.
Abdi-Wali won the Holborn and St Pancras parliamentary by-election on October 8, 2026, retaining the north London constituency for the Labour Party following the resignation of former Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer as a Member of Parliament.
The by-election was viewed as a key test of Labour’s ability to win back voters who had shifted their support to the Green Party.
Although Labour retained the seat, its majority fell from 11,572 votes to 3,364, highlighting the challenge facing the party as rival parties gain ground in some constituencies.
Abdi-Wali defeated a challenge from Green Party leader Zack Polanski, who had sought to make gains in the constituency.
Born in Somalia, Abdi-Wali arrived in the UK as a child refugee in the 1990s before building a political career in London.
She served as a councillor in Camden from 2022 and became leader of Camden Council in May 2026 before entering national politics through the parliamentary by-election.
During her time in local government, she worked on housing issues, including affordability and homelessness.
Her election to Parliament marks a new chapter in her political career, taking her from local government leadership to the national legislature.
The Holborn and St Pancras constituency had been represented by Starmer, who became prime minister after Labour won the 2024 general election.
Duale’s message highlighted the significance of Abdi-Wali’s election for the Somali community and its potential to inspire future generations to pursue leadership and public service.
