Reform UK has announced that Pete Newman, a former Metropolitan Police detective, will run as its candidate in the upcoming by-election for the Holborn and St Pancras constituency on October 8. Newman, who previously served as a counter-terrorism commander, was involved in responding to the aftermath of the July 7, 2005, terrorist attacks in London. He is set to contest the seat vacated by Sir Keir Starmer, who recently left to become the leader of the Labour Party. Reform UK says Newman led Met officers in Westminster to restore normalcy and help businesses prepare for future security threats. After retiring from the police, he has worked as a security and investigative consultant. Newman expressed his commitment to Reform UK's cause, stating, "I am humbled and honoured to be Reform UK’s parliamentary candidate for Holborn and St Pancras. As a former police detective, it depresses me to see the state of crime and policing in our capital. Residents no longer feel safe and our police officers are struggling to cope." He criticized the Labour Party and London's mayor for not adequately addressing safety concerns and for misleading residents. Newman aims to provide a sense of security and stability, arguing that Reform UK offers a better alternative to the current political landscape. In addition to Reform UK, other parties have also announced their candidates for the by-election. The Conservatives have selected Ewan Cameron, a former Camden councillor and local campaigner, while the Liberal Democrats have chosen Patrick Stillman, a councillor for West Hampstead and former chairman of Camden Lib Dems. Labour has nominated Sagal Abdi-Wali, the current leader of Camden Council, to succeed Sir Keir Starmer in the seat. The Green Party has selected Zack Polanski, its national leader, as its candidate. Polanski is expected to pose a significant challenge to Labour’s long-standing dominance in the constituency, which Labour has held since its creation in 1983. Candidate nominations for the by-election are due by September 15, after which voters will choose their representative. The contest is expected to highlight key issues such as public safety, policing, and the future direction of local governance. With multiple parties fielding candidates, the by-election could serve as an important test for political support in central London.