The Green Party of England and Wales has entered uncharted territory with the resounding election of Zack Polanski as its first-ever sole leader. The 42-year-old London Assembly member secured a commanding victory with 20,411 votes, decisively defeating the joint leadership bid of Adrian Ramsay and Ellie Chowns, who garnered just 3,705 votes. This landslide result marks a seismic shift in the party’s direction and signals the emergence of what Polanski terms “eco-populism” as the Greens’ new political strategy.
The Architect of Change
Zack Polanski represents everything unconventional about modern politics. Born David Paulden to a Jewish family who had changed their surname to avoid antisemitism, he reclaimed his grandfather’s original name at 18 as a proud declaration of his heritage. His journey from theatre actor and hypnotherapist to deputy leader and now party chief exemplifies the outsider narrative that has propelled him to victory.
The newly elected leader’s background reads like a political thriller. After studying drama in Atlanta, Georgia, where he witnessed firsthand the harsh realities of inequality and social injustice, Zack Polanski returned to the UK with a burning desire to create change. His political awakening began with the Liberal Democrats, where he stood for Camden Council in 2015, before switching to the Greens in 2016 following the Brexit referendum.
Revolutionary Leadership Style
Zack Polanski’s victory represents more than just a changing of the guard; it signals a fundamental reimagining of the Green Party’s approach. His “eco-populist” strategy directly challenges both Labour’s leftward drift and Reform UK’s populist appeal, positioning the Greens as the authentic voice of progressive politics.
The new leader has made no secret of his admiration for Nigel Farage’s communication prowess, stating he wants to replicate Farage’s media effectiveness whilst championing progressive values. This bold approach has already yielded remarkable results, with Green Party membership surging by at least 8% since Zack Polanski launched his leadership campaign in May.
The Polanski Surge
The numbers tell a compelling story of political transformation. Since Zack Polanski announced his leadership bid, the Green Party has witnessed unprecedented growth, with membership climbing to approximately 65,000 – approaching the party’s all-time high of 67,000 set in 2015. This “Polanski surge” has been fuelled by disillusioned Labour supporters fleeing Keir Starmer’s government over issues ranging from Gaza to welfare cuts.
Prominent figures from across the political spectrum have joined the Greens specifically to support Zack Polanski’s vision. Former Corbyn advisers, writers, and even Labour councillors have defected to the Greens, citing the party’s authentic commitment to social justice under Polanski’s leadership.
Controversial Past, Clear Vision
No political rise is without its challenges, and Zack Polanski’s journey has been marked by scrutiny over his former career as a hypnotherapist. In 2013, he participated in a newspaper feature exploring whether hypnotherapy could increase breast size, an incident that has resurfaced during his political ascent. Polanski has repeatedly apologised for this involvement, emphasising that it was unpaid and misrepresented in the media.
Rather than derailing his campaign, this controversy has highlighted Polanski’s authenticity and willingness to address past mistakes head-on. His transparent handling of the issue has only strengthened his appeal among supporters who value honesty over political polish.
Policy Revolution
Under Zack Polanski’s leadership, the Green Party is set to embrace a broader progressive agenda beyond environmental issues. His “eco-populist” approach links climate action directly to economic justice, arguing that the wealthy should fund the green transition through wealth taxes rather than burdening ordinary families. This message resonates powerfully with voters struggling under the cost-of-living crisis.
The new leader has been unequivocal in his criticism of Labour’s rightward shift, particularly on issues such as Gaza, immigration, and welfare. His willingness to tackle culture war issues head-on, from trans rights to migrant support, positions the Greens as the natural home for progressive voters abandoned by mainstream parties.
Building Bridges on the Left
One of Zack Polanski’s most intriguing prospects is potential collaboration with Jeremy Corbyn’s newly formed “Your Party”. While stopping short of a formal merger, Polanski has expressed openness to working with Corbyn and other left-wing independents where interests align. This pragmatic approach could consolidate the fractured left and create a genuine alternative to both Labour and the Conservatives.
The timing appears opportune, with Labour haemorrhaging support to various parties including the Greens. YouGov polling suggests that 21% of Britons would consider voting Green, with particular strength among younger voters and former Labour supporters.
Electoral Prospects
The Green Party’s recent success provides a strong foundation for Zack Polanski’s ambitious plans. The party achieved its best-ever general election result in 2024, winning four MPs and 7% of the national vote. With seats in Bristol Central, Brighton Pavilion, North Herefordshire, and Waveney Valley, the Greens have demonstrated their ability to win across diverse constituencies.
Zack Polanski’s strategy of combining environmental concerns with broader social justice issues appears to be working. The party finished second in 40 constituencies during the 2024 election, suggesting significant potential for growth under bold leadership.
The Road Ahead
As Zack Polanski assumes the leadership, he faces the challenge of translating grassroots enthusiasm into electoral success. His commitment to making the Greens a “mass-membership political movement” capable of challenging both Reform UK and Labour represents an ambitious reimagining of the party’s role.
The new leader’s emphasis on “substance with clickbait” and compelling storytelling suggests a more aggressive media strategy designed to cut through political noise. His background in theatre and communication appears well-suited to this challenge.
Conclusion
Zack Polanski’s elevation to Green Party leadership marks a watershed moment in British politics. His eco-populist vision offers a fresh alternative to voters disillusioned with traditional parties, whilst his unconventional background brings authenticity to a political landscape often criticised for its uniformity.
The Polanski era promises to be anything but conventional. With membership surging, Labour councillors defecting, and a clear strategy for growth, the Green Party under Zack Polanski’s leadership appears poised to reshape the left of British politics.
As Zack Polanski himself declared upon his victory: “If you’re feeling hopeless, if you’re feeling in despair, if you’re feeling politically homeless, there is a political home for you”. For a growing number of British voters, that home appears to be painted green.
