Green Party accelerates leftward shift under new leader Zack Polanski

Mace | 2nd September 2025 | Politics

Zack Polanski has been elected sole leader of the Green Party, ending the co-leadership model and pledging to compete directly with Labour and Reform UK. Backed by 85 per cent of members, Polanski is aiming for 30 parliamentary seats and a louder populist message on climate, taxation and public services.

Zack Polanski has been elected leader of the Green Party of England and Wales after securing more than 85 per cent of the vote in a contest that saw a turnout of nearly 37 per cent. He defeated a joint ticket of Adrian Ramsay and Ellie Chowns, becoming the party’s first sole leader since the departure of Caroline Lucas in 2012. Polanski’s election signals the end of the co-leadership model that the Greens have used since 2016. His leadership team includes Rachel Millward and Mothin Ali as deputies. The structural shift is aimed at improving clarity and visibility as the party gears up for the next general election. The new leader has ruled out any electoral pact with Keir Starmer’s Labour Party and has positioned the Greens as a direct competitor on issues such as climate policy, social justice and public ownership. He has also attacked Reform UK and its leader Nigel Farage, describing them as politically dishonest. Polanski has advocated for more radical economic policies including a ...

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