Recently, I bumped into Zach Polanski, the 42-year-old deputy leader of the Green Party. He started by recalling his experience at their very first rally. With an eager sparkle in his eyes and an enthusiastic way of speaking, he drew me in. “I was leading the chants. It was quite an experience,” he said. It was hard not to feel his energy, even though he mentioned he didn’t plan on getting arrested. “XR had this training on handling arrests,” he added, almost apologetically. Someone encouraged him to take the lead in front, but he hesitated, stating, “I believe marginalized communities should be in the spotlight, not me.” Yet, there he was, right in front of a line of police, and he recalled the moment vividly—someone pointed him out, and suddenly, he felt the handcuffs tighten around his wrists.
Polanski, who chairs the London Parliamentary Environment Committee, touts a new kind of “ecopopulism” for the Green Party. His announcement to run for leader was portrayed by many as an attempt to overshadow current co-leaders Carla Denyer and Adrian Ramsay, which he firmly denies. The Greens elect a new co-leader every two years, but Denyer has opted out this time while Ramsay is contesting again alongside another new MP, Ellie Chowns. Polanski argues for a dual leadership model—having a Green MP at the forefront alongside others in leadership roles. “I thought about it because the party hasn’t had a solo male leader,” he said, considering the implications of identity and leadership. He addressed the tension surrounding whether a man could lead a highly progressive party, reflecting on how the media perceives this dynamic.
He mentioned how well Denyer and Ramsay performed in the upcoming 2024 general election, while emphasizing that he doesn’t criticize local election results as the party pushes for reform. “It’s a blend,” he stated, acknowledging success while noting challenges, such as being labeled as ‘shocking’ in past elections. “But how many times will we be shocked?” he mused.
“The reforms have made a difference,” he insisted, even though he recognizes a noticeable bias in reporting their successes. Ecopopulism, to him, involves holding billionaires and companies accountable. He emphasized the importance of maintaining a strong national and communal identity, integrating climate issues into daily life while addressing tangible needs. “We must actively improve people’s lives now,” he stressed, pointing to how many politicians make grand promises, usually without much impact. The Greens, he claimed, genuinely mean it, and that’s crucial for better storytelling. “Too often, parties lean heavily on data and policy,” he articulated, “but we have powerful narratives to share.”
Polanski’s background is quite telling—born in Salford to a divorced family, with a mother in acting and a father in a DIY shop. “I’m not the son of a tool maker; I’m the son of a tool seller,” he remarked lightly, acknowledging his political upbringing wasn’t particularly traditional. His parents weren’t politically active until later. “Growing up in a strongly Zionist household shaped my views quite differently from where I stand now,” he reflected.
Despite criticism from some in the mainstream Jewish community, he expressed pride in his heritage. His education was a mixed experience; attending Stockport Grammar on a scholarship, he hated it and ended up loving his time at a sixth form college, discovering the vibrancy of diversity. A stint at a drama school in Atlanta opened his eyes further as he confronted issues like inequality and racism.
Initially, his path was quite chaotic—working with the homeless, on immigration issues, and community engagement. “I wanted to help people share their stories and empower them,” he noted, admitting, however, a lingering frustration with the lack of progress on pressing issues. Returning to London due to lack of bus fare, he reflected, “That’s how I made rent.” Yet he was candid about his past privileges, recognizing the stark differences between just being financially strained and being truly poor. “I’m more concerned with the growing divide between the ultra-wealthy and the rest,” he stated.
He described his involvement in various theatre productions, emphasizing their political undertones—even if he was ultimately seeking a more structured role in politics. Joining the Liberal Democrats in 2016 was a step for him, motivated by a commitment to proportional representation. Transitioning to the Greens the following year, he was elected to the London Assembly in 2021 and became associate leader in 2022.
Polanski quickly became known for his knack for communication, often appearing on political shows where his theatrical background lent him a unique style. He’s straightforward, urgent, and unafraid to tackle issues head-on, even if it challenges norms. He remarked that a video announcing his leadership bid garnered significant attention, with many curious about the hope he offered.
He also acknowledged the challenges of political discourse—where pointing out bias or flaws in right-wing rhetoric is often frowned upon. Despite the backlash he received for calling out problematic language, he remains focused. “I’m a storyteller, but I won’t sugarcoat,” he insisted.
His foray into politics wasn’t without unusual twists—some even recalling his past in hypnosis therapy, which sparked various responses. However, he believes that ordinary people should find their place in politics, even amidst opposition. “The shift from Labour to the Greens isn’t easy,” he admitted, yet he urges those who feel abandoned by Labour to realize they haven’t left their values behind—the party has strayed from them.
