Former Somali Refugee Sagal Abdi-Wali Sworn In As British MP

Sagal Abdi-Wali, who was born in Somalia, was sworn in on Monday as the newest London member of parliament, representing Holborn and St Pancras in Britain’s House of Commons.

The 42-year-old won the by-election held last week, taking over the central London seat from former prime minister Keir Starmer.

Abdi-Wali arrived in Britain as a child refugee and has spent most of her life in the London borough of Camden.

She worked with charities and schools before going on to lead the local council.

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Her campaign attracted strong interest from Britain’s Somali community and the wider African diaspora, who saw in it her rise from refugee to a senior role in local government.

Abdi-Wali won 45 percent of the vote. Green Party leader Zack Polanski came second with 33 percent, while the Conservatives took 7 percent and the anti-immigration Reform Party 6 percent.

In her victory speech, she said her priorities include tackling homelessness and widening opportunities for young people.

Andy Burnham, who succeeded Starmer as prime minister, congratulated her on the win and said he looks forward to working with her.