The News Agents The News Agents

Can Zack Polanski win Keir Starmer's old seat?

Sep 3, 2026 · 38m

Summary

The News Agents analyzes the high-stakes Holborn and St Pancras by-election, where Green Party leader Zach Polanski faces Labour in a contest critical for both leaders' futures. The episode also covers the rising threat of Germany’s far-right AfD party in Saxony-Anhalt, highlighting their social media strategy and extremist policies. Finally, the hosts discuss John Redwood’s controversial reaction to the Bayeux Tapestry’s arrival in London, linking it to Brexit sentiments.

Topics discussed

Intro: Zach Polanski's high-stakes by-election bid Analysis: Polanski's candidacy and Green Party momentum Stakes: Implications for Polanski and Andy Burnham Campaign dynamics: Issues, local alliances, and polling Candidates: Saal Abdi Wali and Reform UK's reaction Internal Green Party tensions and selection process Germany: AfD surge in Saxony-Anhalt election AfD ideology: Extremism, nationalism, and history Electoral arithmetic and the 'firewall' against AfD Bayeux Tapestry: John Redwood's Brexit commentary
Listen ad-free on Castria