Zack Polanski's decision to run for the leadership of the Green Party was sparked by a pivotal moment in British politics. After witnessing the dramatic entrance of Reform UK, which secured nearly 700 councillors in England's May 2023 local elections, Polanski realised his party needed a fundamental shift in strategy.
The Wake-Up Call: Learning from Reform's Playbook
As the Greens' deputy leader at the time, Polanski was tasked with speaking to defeated candidates. While the party's grassroots campaigning was strong, he identified a critical weakness. "Where they felt we were missing was in the national conversation," Polanski explained. Reform UK had dominated the "air game" with its media presence, and Polanski concluded the Greens had to match that energy to remain relevant.
His response was to launch a leadership campaign built on a new, self-invented concept: "eco-populism." This approach promised to shake up the party's traditionally patient, incremental style with a more direct and media-savvy method of communication, inspired in part by the tactics of figures like Nigel Farage.
A Surge in Support and Profile
The strategy has yielded remarkable results in a short time. Just four months after Polanski became leader, membership of the Greens in England and Wales skyrocketed from around 70,000 to well over 180,000. This surge has provided a vital financial boost to the perennially cash-strapped party, funding new staff hires and campaigns.
Polanski's personal profile has transformed equally dramatically. Once known mainly within party circles, he is now a frequent presence on airwaves and social media, even hosting a popular podcast. He actively engages with this new audience, spending an hour daily replying to social media messages to foster a domino effect of support and local activism.
Funding Principles and Future Challenges
Unlike Reform, which can receive multi-million-pound donations from single benefactors, the Greens' model relies on its members. Polanski emphasises this as a strength, stating it frees the party from vested interests. The increased income is now being used to expand the party's capacity, including hiring a senior communications aide for the leader.
The road ahead holds significant tests. The immediate focus is on the May 2024 local elections in England and Wales, where the Greens are forecast to make gains, particularly in London, and potentially win their first seats in the Welsh Senedd. Longer-term, the party must develop a fully costed general election manifesto under unprecedented scrutiny, without the policy resources of larger rivals.
Despite the pressures, including occasional personal attacks, Polanski expresses no regrets. "It's the most privileged, wonderful position to be in, and I'm loving every second," he said, reflecting on a journey that has repositioned the Greens in the national political conversation.
