Former Metropolitan Police detective and counter-terrorism commander Pete Newman has been selected to contest the Holborn and St Pancras by-election for Reform UK.

The parliamentary seat was left vacant by Sir Keir Starmer, setting up a high-profile contest in a London constituency that Labour has held continuously since it was first created in 1983.

During his policing career, Mr Newman responded to the aftermath of the July 7 London bombings, according to details released by Reform UK. The party said he specifically led the Metropolitan Police in Westminster to return the borough back to normality while working directly with local businesses to build resilience against future acts of terrorism.

Following his retirement from the force, Mr Newman has worked as a professional security and investigative consultant.

Reacting to his selection, Mr Newman placed law and order at the centre of his platform. "I am humbled and honoured to be Reform UK’s parliamentary candidate for Holborn and St Pancras," he said. "As a former police detective, it depresses me to see the state of crime and policing in our capital."

He continued with a direct criticism of the current political leadership across London, saying: "Residents no longer feel safe and our police officers are struggling to cope. Police stations are closing left, right and centre, yet Labour don’t care and our mayor continues to gaslight Londoners over their safety."

Mr Newman added: "I’m standing to ensure that people in Holborn & St Pancras feel safe on their own streets again. They deserve more than the chaos of Labour and the divisive and contradictory politics of the Green Party. Only Reform UK can offer them hope and a fresh start."

The announcement follows moves by other major political parties to confirm their representatives for the upcoming vote. The Conservatives have chosen Ewan Cameron, a former Camden councillor and local political campaigner, to represent their party in the race.

Patrick Stillman will stand for the Liberal Democrats. Mr Stillman is currently a Liberal Democrat councillor representing West Hampstead and serves as the outgoing chairman of Camden Lib Dems.

Labour has selected Camden Council leader Sagal Abdi-Wali to defend the seat previously held by Sir Keir. Meanwhile, Green Party leader Zack Polanski is standing for the Greens, positioning himself as what is likely to be the most serious electoral challenge to Labour's traditional stronghold in the constituency.

Formal nominations for all candidates officially close on September 15, with residents casting their ballots when the by-election takes place on October 8.

I'll be following this race closely as the campaign develops — check back for updates as we get nearer to polling day.