Camden is not just where I live. It is the place that welcomed me, raised me and made me who I am today.
That is why I have dedicated my career to fighting for Camden and the people who call it home.
Sagal Abdi-Wali
- Leader of Camden Council
- and
- Former Chair of Holborn & St Pancras CLP
Why I’m putting my name forward
From a young age, I learnt the value of public service from my parents. My mother established the British Somali Community Centre here in Camden, and I saw first-hand the importance of people coming together to support one another. It’s why I spent my career working for Camden Council in adult social care and council housing, delivering the essential public services that local people depend on.
That is also why I have always believed in the importance of Labour organising and winning. Having chaired Holborn & St Pancras CLP for four years, I understand that political change does not happen by accident. It requires a Labour Party rooted in its communities, willing to make the case for our values and determined to win elections.
I believe in the power of public services to transform lives, in strong communities and collective action, and in a politics that does not simply talk about fairness but delivers it. I want to continue building a Labour movement that is rooted in Camden, proud of our values and ambitious for what we can achieve. A movement that stands up for working people, delivers the homes and public services people need, tackles inequality and never loses sight of why we are in politics in the first place.
Sagal’s Story
Finding a Home in Camden
Born in Somalia, I came to Camden as a child refugee. I spent my childhood playing football in Talacre and Castlehaven, and went to Gospel Oak Primary School, Parli, and LaSWAP.
Working in the Community
After graduating from university, I moved back to Camden and got to work in our community. I joined Camden Council’s Housing and Adult Social Care teams, tackling some of the toughest problems facing the Council. I volunteered with charities and community groups across the borough, such as the British Somali Community Centre and Voluntary Action Camden, where I later went on to become a trustee.
Campaigning for Labour
I was elected as Holborn & St Pancras CLP’s BAME officer and hosted events with local Black and minority ethnic communities. I campaigned across Camden in local, European and general elections.
Becoming Chair of Our CLP
I was elected as Chair of Holborn & St Pancras CLP, working to bring the party together and build an election-winning force in Camden. Under my leadership the CLP became one of the largest and most effective in the country, and I worked hard to empower existing members as well as recruit new members from across our diverse communities. I proudly stood alongside our CLP’s Jewish members in the fight against antisemitism in the Labour Party, as well as tackling the rising tide of anti-Black and Islamophobic hate.
Elected Councillor for Camden Square
I was elected as a councillor for Camden Square and immediately set about overseeing the delivery of hundreds of new council homes on the Agar Grove Estate.
Appointed Cabinet Member for Better Homes
I secured over £650 million in investment for our council homes and worked on Camden’s homelessness and rough-sleeping strategy, making sure the council treated rough sleepers with dignity and respect.
Leader of Camden Council
I am the Leader of Camden Council. This year I secured Labour’s first by-election gain in over 20 years.
Endorsements
Members across Holborn & St Pancras are backing Sagal.
Sagal is a genuine local champion. She knows the constituency and knows how to win elections here.
JamesCouncillor, Kentish Town North
I’ve known Sagal for many years. She is hard-working, passionate, and knows how to bring people together.