Zack Polanski, deputy leader of the Green Party, has launched a surprise leadership challenge. eco-populist movement shapes his vision for the party’s future. Polanski aims to unseat current co-leaders Carla Denyer and Adrian Ramsay this summer.
Polanski acknowledged Denyer and Ramsay’s success in last year’s general election. The Greens won four seats, their best-ever result. But he argues that the party now needs bold changes. “There’s a political vacuum,” Polanski said. “Nigel Farage and Reform UK are ready to fill it, but the Greens can do better.”
The Greens have about 60,000 members, while Reform UK claims over 220,000. Polanski insists the country’s values align more with Green policies. However, he says the party lacks visibility and urgency. “We need an eco-populist movement,” he declared. “It’s about evidence, science, and data, but also about telling a powerful story.”
Polanski, who joined the Greens in 2017 after time with the Liberal Democrats, is known for his fiery media style. He believes the Greens must tap into widespread disillusionment with the Labour government. “Keir Starmer’s approach protects the wealth and power of the super-rich,” Polanski said. “That’s creating space for the far right.”
Despite recent local election gains, the Greens remain fifth nationally, with 11% in projected votes. Polanski argues incremental growth is not enough. “We need to become a mass eco-populist movement that reaches beyond the usual circles,” he said.
Under party rules, the Greens hold leadership elections every two years. Because of past delays, nominations for the next election open on 2 June. Party members will vote in August.
Polanski acknowledges past controversies, including a 2013 tabloid sting when he worked as a hypnotherapist. He says he has apologized and taken responsibility. “I’m a grown adult, and I stand by my apology,” he said.
As his leadership bid advances, Polanski promises to push the Greens to evolve into an ambitious, eco-populist movement. He believes this strategy is essential for challenging both Labour and Reform UK.
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