Zack Polanski has been elected as the new leader of the Green Party in England and Wales with a decisive victory, gaining nearly 85% of the vote against Adrian Ramsay and Ellie Chowns.
Polanski, previously the party’s deputy leader and a London Assembly member, campaigned on a platform of eco-populism, promising to accelerate the party’s growth and directly challenge Reform UK and Labour.
His victory marks a significant shift from the more gradualist approach of previous leaders, ushering in a more radical, media-focused strategy.
In his victory speech, Polanski denounced the influence of Reform UK and criticised Labour for failing to represent workers, making clear that the Greens would not cooperate with Keir Starmer’s leadership.
Instead, he promised to fight for a fairer society, tackle climate change, and confront corporate interests, especially water companies and billionaires.
While his leadership brings enthusiasm and a higher media profile, it also poses challenges, as some within the party worry his overtly left-wing stance could alienate moderate voters.
Nonetheless, his election signals a pivotal moment, as the Greens aim to expand their parliamentary presence beyond the four MPs they currently hold and pursue an ambitious target of more than 30 seats in the next general election.
With growing public frustration over traditional parties, Polanski’s leadership could reshape the Greens’ role in British politics.
Polanski, previously the party’s deputy leader and a London Assembly member, campaigned on a platform of eco-populism, promising to accelerate the party’s growth and directly challenge Reform UK and Labour.
His victory marks a significant shift from the more gradualist approach of previous leaders, ushering in a more radical, media-focused strategy.
In his victory speech, Polanski denounced the influence of Reform UK and criticised Labour for failing to represent workers, making clear that the Greens would not cooperate with Keir Starmer’s leadership.
Instead, he promised to fight for a fairer society, tackle climate change, and confront corporate interests, especially water companies and billionaires.
While his leadership brings enthusiasm and a higher media profile, it also poses challenges, as some within the party worry his overtly left-wing stance could alienate moderate voters.
Nonetheless, his election signals a pivotal moment, as the Greens aim to expand their parliamentary presence beyond the four MPs they currently hold and pursue an ambitious target of more than 30 seats in the next general election.
With growing public frustration over traditional parties, Polanski’s leadership could reshape the Greens’ role in British politics.
