Zack Polanski swept to victory as the new leader of the Green Party of England and Wales on September 2, 2025, defeating rivals Adrian Ramsay and Ellie Chowns with 20,411 votes to their 3,705.
The 42-year-old London Assembly member, who ran on a bold “eco-populism” platform, secured nearly 85% of the votes in a turnout of 37% among 64,500 members.
This marks a dramatic shift for the party, promising a more confrontational style to challenge Labour and Reform UK.
Polanski’s win signals growing left-wing momentum in British politics, exciting supporters while sparking concerns about the party’s future appeal.
Fans and observers in Europe and the UK discuss the implications as of 10:45 AM IST today, Wednesday, September 3, 2025.
Election Results and Campaign Highlights
Polanski, the party’s former deputy leader, announced his bid in May 2025, criticizing the Greens for being too timid and calling for a mass-membership movement.
He beat the joint ticket of MPs Ramsay and Chowns, seen as continuity candidates focused on gradual growth.
The vote, delayed from 2024 to avoid clashing with the general election, used an alternative vote system with a £1,000 spending limit.
Polanski’s campaign video, viewed over 2 million times on X, ruffled feathers with its sweary, brash tone but resonated with members seeking change.
He pledged to grow the party to at least 30 MPs by 2029 and more seats in the Welsh Senedd.
In his victory speech at a London community center, Polanski declared, “We’re here to replace [Labour].”
He ruled out coalitions with Keir Starmer’s government, saying, “I cannot imagine any scenario in which I would want to work with Keir Starmer.”
Polanski also attacked Reform UK’s Nigel Farage as a “charlatan,” accusing him of serving billionaires while pretending to represent workers.
He welcomed potential cooperation with Jeremy Corbyn’s new left-wing party, calling it an “intellectual coalition” on issues like Gaza, but stressed focusing on Green growth first.
Polanski’s Background and Vision
Born David Paulden in Salford in 1982 to a Jewish family, Polanski changed his name at 18 to honor his grandfather and embrace his identity.
He studied in Aberystwyth, worked in community theater amplifying marginalized voices, and held jobs in prisons, schools, nightclubs, and hospitality.
A former Liberal Democrat, he joined the Greens in 2017 after the EU referendum.
Elected to the London Assembly in 2021 and re-elected in 2024, he chairs the Environment Committee, leading on clean air, water quality, and climate resilience.
As deputy leader since 2022, he spoke on democracy and citizen engagement.
Polanski’s “eco-populism” links environmental justice to social and economic issues.
He advocates taxing extreme wealth to fund public services, renationalizing utilities, banning short-haul flights, and introducing a wealth tax.
He supports asylum seekers’ right to work and calls for a Gaza inquiry.
Critics highlight his past as a hypnotherapist, including a 2013 Sun sting where he claimed hypnosis could enlarge breasts—he apologized, saying it didn’t represent him.
He also suggested reconsidering NATO membership amid Donald Trump’s influence, drawing Labour criticism for undermining Ukraine support.
Reactions and Political Implications
Jeremy Corbyn congratulated Polanski on X, saying, “Real change is coming. I look forward to working with you.”
Labour chair Ellie Reeves challenged him on NATO, calling for “responsible” responses to global threats.
Conservatives labeled the Greens “captured by hard-left activists obsessed with culture wars.”
The Telegraph called it a “dark moment for British democracy,” warning of “wokeness, Islamism, net-zero lunacy.”
The Guardian’s George Monbiot praised Polanski’s eco-populism as filling Labour’s vacuum, criticizing Reform’s billionaire ties.
Ramsay and Chowns, two of the four Green MPs, congratulated him but committed to holding the government accountable.
Polanski paid tribute, saying he stands “on the shoulders of giants.”
His win could split the left vote, competing with Corbyn’s party, but allies see it as energizing disaffected Labour supporters.
Polls show 7% of 2024 Labour voters considering Greens, with 36% of 18-24s open to them. Risks include alienating rural voters who helped win recent seats.
On X, reactions mix excitement and debate. One user posted, “Zack Polanski’s win is huge for the left—time to challenge Farage and Starmer!”
Another tweeted, “Polanski’s eco-populism could split votes—dark day for democracy?”
What’s Next for the Greens?
Polanski aims to boost membership and visibility, targeting 30 MPs next election.
The party, with 68,500 members and four MPs from 2024’s record result, faces a two-year leadership term.
His style may grow urban support but risk rural gains.
As the international break ends, focus shifts to local elections in 2026.
This victory reshapes UK left politics, promising bolder Green challenges.
Stay tuned for more updates!