Green Leader Stands Firm Against Personal Attacks
Zack Polanski, the leader of the Green Party, has spoken out against what he describes as relentless personal attacks from sections of the media and political opponents. The criticism has intensified as the Greens have seen their membership surge and polling numbers improve dramatically.
Polanski revealed that while he receives largely respectful engagement from members of the public, even those who disagree with his politics, the media response to his leadership has been markedly different. "In a democracy, I should expect a challenge," Polanski stated, "But the reaction has gone far beyond good-faith questioning of my policy positions."
The Three Categories of Criticism
Polanski identified three main types of attacks he has faced since becoming Green Party leader. The first involves legitimate examination of his past, including his previous membership of the Liberal Democrats and a Sun article about breast hypnosis from before his political career.
The second category consists of personal insults that have drawn particular attention. These include comments from journalist Jeremy Clarkson about his teeth and Daily Mail columnist Quentin Letts suggesting he had "shades of Hannibal Lecter." Labour MP Harriet Harman also reportedly described him as "macho" in what Polanski considered a strange characterisation.
The third area of criticism involves what Polanski calls wild misrepresentations of Green Party policies. He highlighted instances where commentators claimed he was "against wealth and growth" when discussing GDP measurements, and accusations from Daily Express columnist Carole Malone that he was a "dangerous man" for advocating public health-based approaches to drug policy.
Growing Support Despite Criticism
The timing of these attacks coincides with significant growth for the Green Party. Polanski noted that one poll in late October showed the Greens ahead of Labour for the first time, suggesting they could potentially take the Holborn and St Pancras seat from Labour leader Keir Starmer.
Polanski believes the intensity of criticism reflects establishment anxiety about the Greens' rising popularity and their willingness to challenge economic orthodoxy. He pointed to policies like wealth taxes, which he claims are supported by three-quarters of the public but ignored by establishment parties.
The Green leader also addressed his stance on international issues, particularly his views on Gaza and Israel. "For me, as a Jewish man, to be repeatedly accused of being part of some sort of antisemitic movement is the most galling attack of all," he stated.
Looking Forward with Determination
Despite the personal nature of many attacks, Polanski remains committed to his political mission. He referenced Zohran Mamdani's victory in the United States as evidence of the potential for progressive politics to succeed against established interests.
The Green Party leader made clear he won't be deterred by personal criticism. "They can sound off about my teeth all they want," he declared. "But the more I see them panic about the replacement of the politics of hate with a politics of hope, the more we know our movement is on the right track."
Polanski's appearance at an anti-oil protest in London on October 18, 2025, underscores his continued commitment to environmental activism even as he faces increased scrutiny as party leader.
