Zack Polanski secured a landslide victory in the Green Party leadership election, winning 20,411 votes on Tuesday 2nd September 2025. The 42-year-old London Assembly member defeated joint candidates Adrian Ramsay and Ellie Chowns with an overwhelming 84% share of the vote.
Zack Polanski’s Commanding Leadership Victory
Zack Polanski achieved the largest number of votes in Green Party leadership election history. His 20,411 votes dwarfed the 3,705 cast for MPs Adrian Ramsay and Ellie Chowns’ joint campaign.
The former deputy leader won on a platform of “eco-populism” promising to transform the Greens into a radical alternative. Zack Polanski campaigned to make the party more visible and mass-membership focused.
His victory speech directly challenged Labour, declaring “we are here to replace you” to Sir Keir Starmer’s government. Zack Polanski criticised Labour over the two-child benefit cap, disability cuts, and Gaza policy.
The membership turnout reached 38% with 68,500 total Green Party members eligible to vote. Party membership increased from 60,000 at the start of the leadership contest in May.
Controversial Past as Hypnotherapist Addressed
Zack Polanski previously worked as a hypnotherapist before entering politics. In 2013, a Sun journalist visited his practice asking about breast enlargement through hypnotherapy.
He performed the session without charge but later apologised for his involvement. He told LBC that the incident “does not represent my work, it does not represent me”.
The controversy surfaced during his leadership campaign but didn’t damage his electoral prospects. He acknowledged the mistake whilst focusing on his political vision.
His opponents attempted to use the hypnotherapy background against him during hustings events. However, party members prioritised his eco-populist message over past professional activities.
Political Journey from Liberal Democrats to Greens
Zack Polanski began his political career with the Liberal Democrats in 2015. He stood for Camden Council and ran as London Assembly candidate in 2016.
Born David Paulden, he changed his name aged 18 to honour his grandfather’s original surname. His Jewish family adopted “Paulden” to avoid antisemitism in early twentieth-century Britain.
He famously heckled Jeremy Corbyn during the EU referendum campaign for insufficient Remain support. This incident preceded his switch from Liberal Democrats to Greens in 2017.
He won election to London Assembly in 2021 before becoming Green Party deputy leader in 2022. He chairs the London Assembly Environment Committee and Fire Committee.
Eco-Populist Vision Targets Left-Wing Voters
Zack Polanski promises to emulate Nigel Farage’s communication style from the progressive left. He advocates combining “substance with clickbait” to reach wider audiences.
His eco-populist platform includes wealth taxes on billionaires and water company nationalisation. He links environmental justice with social and economic equality.
The new leader targets progressive voters disappointed with Labour’s rightward shift under Starmer. He refuses to rule out cooperation with Jeremy Corbyn’s new political party.
Zack Polanski promises to deliver “environmental, social, racial and economic justice” through bold leadership. His radical agenda aims to differentiate Greens from mainstream parties.
Personal Background and Lifestyle Choices
Zack Polanski currently lives as a property guardian in Hackney, occupying vacant buildings for security. The arrangement provides cheaper accommodation whilst experiencing London’s housing crisis firsthand.
He works in the gig economy with experience as actor, youth worker, and mental health counsellor. Zack Polanski attended drama school in Georgia, USA, before moving to London.
The new leader is gay, vegan, and vocal about social justice issues including Gaza solidarity. His progressive lifestyle choices align with Green Party values.
Zack Polanski grew up in Salford attending grammar school on scholarship before switching to comprehensive education. He studied at Aberystwyth University and American drama school.
Challenges to Labour Government Promised
Zack Polanski warned Labour that Greens will hold them accountable on progressive policies. He specifically criticised government positions on benefits, disability support, and international relations.
His victory speech attacked “charlatans” like Nigel Farage whilst acknowledging voter frustration with mainstream politics. Zack Polanski positioned Greens as authentic voice for working-class communities.
The new leader promises to “take on power and wealth” through taxation and redistribution policies. He argues for honest conversations about housing, employment, and childcare funding.
Zack Polanski believes current political space favours populist messages from both left and right. His strategy involves matching Reform UK’s communication effectiveness with progressive content.
London Assembly Record and Committee Work
Zack Polanski serves on multiple London Assembly committees including Budget, Performance, and Economy groups. He chairs both Environment and Fire committees with significant policy influence.
His assembly work focuses on retrofit housing solutions and universal basic income advocacy. Zack Polanski campaigns for creative sector support and housing crisis solutions.
Re-elected in 2024, he refused all-male panels for environment committee meetings. Conservative members walked out calling his diversity requirements “left wing wokery”.
Zack Polanski proposed successful cross-party motions supporting Climate and Ecological Emergency legislation. His environmental committee leadership demonstrates practical policy experience.
Future Ambitions for Green Party Growth
Zack Polanski targets winning at least 30 parliamentary seats at the next general election. The Greens currently hold four MPs following their 2024 breakthrough.
He aims to build the party into a mass-membership movement challenging Labour’s progressive credentials. Zack Polanski believes political conditions favour Green Party expansion.
The new leader promises to welcome “thousands of new members” whilst maintaining party unity. His victory already coincided with membership growth during the leadership campaign.
Zack Polanski acknowledges democracy requires disagreement whilst seeking common cause with all members. His inclusive approach aims to unite different Green Party factions.
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