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Zack Polanski, the Green Party’s deputy leader since 2022 and a member of the London Assembly, has launched an unexpected bid to replace co-leaders Carla Denyer and Adrian Ramsay. His campaign calls for a bolder, more dynamic party identity rooted in what he describes as “eco-populism” — a radical, mass-membership movement that speaks directly to public concerns while staying grounded in science and evidence.
Polanski’s challenge comes despite Denyer and Ramsay leading the party to historic gains in last year’s general election, securing four seats — the most ever for the Greens.
Speaking to The Guardian, Polanski acknowledged the duo’s achievements but argued that the party must evolve to confront the rise of Reform UK, which has quadruple the Green Party’s membership and made major gains in recent local elections.
“People are losing faith in the traditional parties,” Polanski said. “Nigel Farage is ready to fill that void. We don’t want to be him, but we can learn from his clarity in communication.”
He criticized the Greens for playing it too safe, saying the party needed to be more visible, more courageous, and more emotionally resonant. “Professionalism is important, but it shouldn’t be the defining trait,” he added.
Despite the Greens’ policies being among the most popular when polled, Polanski noted the party’s struggle to convert public support into mass membership. He argued the Greens must seize the current political moment to become a powerful grassroots force, especially as frustration with the Labour government grows.
Polanski, who joined the Greens in 2017 after leaving the Liberal Democrats, is not widely known beyond party circles but has become a frequent media spokesperson. With a background in community theatre and a more combative style than the current leadership, he represents a shift in tone.
His decision to challenge Denyer and Ramsay is bold, particularly after their strong electoral record. The party saw further progress in the recent local elections, gaining 41 seats. However, national projections still place them in fifth position with 11% support, indicating limited breakthrough despite steady growth.
Polanski warned that current conditions could foster far-right sentiment, accusing Labour leader Keir Starmer of enabling inequality. “If you wanted to create the perfect scenario for the far right to thrive, you’d be doing exactly what Starmer is doing — protecting the wealth and privilege of the super-rich,” he said.
The Green Party typically holds leadership elections every two years. Denyer and Ramsay were last elected in 2021, but their term was extended due to scheduling changes and last year’s general election.
Nominations for the Green Party leadership race will open on 2 June, with party members set to vote in August.
As Zack Polanski launches his leadership campaign, he is likely to face renewed scrutiny — including over a peculiar incident from his past. In 2013, The Sun published a story about Polanski, then working as a hypnotherapist, in which he reportedly agreed to use hypnosis to attempt to enlarge a woman's breasts.
Polanski clarified that the suggestion came from the woman herself — who was later revealed to be an undercover journalist from The Sun — and that he did not charge for the session. He explained that the technique was intended to support body image and self-esteem, rather than produce physical changes.
Acknowledging the incident, Polanski said, “I take full responsibility. I was an adult who made a choice, and I’ve since apologised — and I stand by that apology.”
