Green Party Elects Zack Polanski Leader in Landslide

Zack Polanski, a former actor, hypnotist, and deputy leader, has been elected as the new leader of the Green Party in England and Wales with a decisive victory over co-leadership candidates Adrian Ramsay and Ellie Chowns. Polanski advocates for a bold, left-wing 'eco-populist' agenda aimed at transforming the Greens into a mass membership movement that directly challenges Reform UK, signaling a shift from the party's traditional gradual electoral strategy. While Polanski emphasizes media visibility and a combative tone to accelerate electoral gains, some party MPs warn that his polarizing approach may alienate moderate voters, especially in rural constituencies. He has expressed openness to future alliances with other left-wing groups, including the new socialist party being formed by Jeremy Corbyn and Zarah Sultana, to counter both the far-right Reform Party and the current Labour government. The leadership change marks a significant moment for the Greens as they seek to expand their influence by appealing to disaffected left-wing voters and adopting a more radical profile. Despite some internal tensions during the contest, Polanski's election reflects members' desire for a more dynamic and visible leadership to build on the party's recent electoral successes.