Somali-born Sagal Abdi-Wali has been sworn in as a member of the United Kingdom's House of Commons, representing the central London constituency of Holborn and St Pancras. The 42-year-old was elected in last week's by-election to replace former Prime Minister Keir Starmer as Member of Parliament for the constituency. Abdi-Wali arrived in Britain as a child refugee and spent much of her life in the London borough of Camden, where she worked with charities and schools before becoming leader of the local council. Her election has attracted significant attention among Britain's Somali and wider African communities, highlighting her journey from refugee to senior political office. Abdi-Wali secured 45 per cent of the vote, defeating Green Party leader Zack Polanski, who received 33 per cent. The Conservatives polled seven per cent, while the anti-immigration Reform UK party secured six per cent. In her victory speech, the new lawmaker pledged to address homelessness and expand opportunities for young people.