Green Party leader Zack Polanski has launched a stinging critique of London Mayor Sadiq Khan, accusing him of failing to use his significant political platform to robustly defend the capital's interests for fear of upsetting the Labour government.
A "Huge Platform" Not Fully Used
In an exclusive interview with the Local Democracy Reporting Service, the London Assembly Member claimed Sir Sadiq is too often siding with his party colleagues in Westminster rather than the nine million Londoners he represents. Mr Polanski, elected as Green leader in September 2025, argued that the Mayor of London wields a "pretty huge platform" which should be used more forcefully to lobby ministers.
"I think there are far too many areas where he's too quick to say 'this isn't my responsibility, this is up to national government'," Polanski stated. He suggested the Mayor's reluctance stems from a desire to "stay on the side of Keir Starmer as opposed to be on the sides of Londoners."
Promised Transformation Fails to Materialise
The criticism comes despite the Mayor having previously challenged government decisions on issues like the two-child benefit cap and calling for a Gaza ceasefire. However, Polanski insists bolder action is needed.
Before his historic third-term election victory in May, Sir Sadiq had predicted that a Labour government would bring "real transformation in London," allowing them to work together with "the winds of a Labour government at our back."
Polanski contends this promise has not materialised "in most people's experiences." He pointed to the provisional local government finance settlement, which will see most inner London boroughs lose funding over the next three years. Furthermore, while the DLR extension was approved, it is believed Transport for London will bear most of the cost, and projects like the West London Orbital and Bakerloo Line extension face delays.
Clashes Over Genocide and Social Media
Tensions between the Mayor and the Green leader have escalated publicly. A notable clash occurred at Mayor's Question Time in September 2025, days after Polanski's leadership election, over the UK's stance on Israel's actions in Gaza.
Sir Sadiq accused Polanski of seeking a "sound bite" and "clip on social media," labelling it "sixth-form politics." Polanski, who has over 146,000 followers on X, fired back: "To see the Mayor refuse for six minutes to acknowledge it was a genocide was pretty appalling."
He noted the Mayor's position changed just three days later at a People's Question Time event. "I'm not editing the clip," Polanski said, defending his use of social media for transparency. "That's just transparency and accountability. And I'm not surprised that the Mayor doesn't like it when on far too many of his positions he's defending the Labour government."
Green Surge and the Mayor's Defence
The Greens are experiencing a surge in popularity. An October YouGov poll showed them as the most favoured party in London among the five major parties, with 27% of capital respondents indicating a first preference for them.
In response to the interview, a spokesperson for Sir Sadiq defended his record: "The Mayor has always been a champion for London on the national stage, whichever party has been in government." They cited his opposition to Heathrow expansion, welfare changes, and his leadership on air pollution and free school meals, which are now being rolled out nationally.
Polanski, however, remains unconvinced, concluding: "Rather than lashing out, change your policies and get better."
