In a bold political gambit, Green Party leader Zack Polanski is attempting to reach across the ideological divide and appeal to voters who typically support Nigel Farage's Reform UK. His central argument is that the public's anger over issues like the cost of living and housing is misdirected towards migrants, and should instead be aimed at the wealthy elite.
A Stark Divide on Migration Policy
The policy chasm between the two parties is most evident on the issue of migration, a top priority for Reform supporters. Where Nigel Farage views migration as damaging to Britain and advocates for "mass deportations", Zack Polanski sees it as a net positive for the country. Despite this fundamental disagreement, Polanski is convinced he can win over disaffected Reform voters by addressing the root causes of their frustration.
"A Reform voter is very different to a Reform MP, and I have a lot more time for them," Polanski told Sky News. "I get your anger, and in many ways your right to be angry. But let's not fuel that anger. Let's make sure that we're challenging power and wealth."
Calais Visit and the Battle for 'Fairness'
Last week, Polanski travelled to Calais in France, the former site of the "Jungle" refugee camp demolished in 2016, to challenge what he calls "misinformation" around the small boats crisis. He argues the British sense of fairness is being manipulated.
For Polanski, the unfairness lies in the UK government spending £476 million on what he terms "the militarisation of Calais" to deter crossings. "That money should be spent on building homes," he stated, arguing that the housing crisis should not be pitted against helping a relatively small number of desperate people.
When questioned about a lack of public sympathy for small boat arrivals, Polanski responded, "I think we need to make racism unacceptable again." He later clarified this by contrasting the welcome given to Ukrainian refugees with the treatment of those from Syria, Yemen, Sudan, and Eritrea.
Can 'Eco-Populism' Bridge the Political Gap?
Since his election as leader in September 2025, former Liberal Democrat member Polanski has steered the Greens towards a more populist stance on social and cultural issues, an approach some label "eco-populism". The strategy appears to be gaining traction; current polls show the Greens at 16%, nearly level with Labour at 18%.
Polling expert Joe Twyman of Deltapoll suggests that while Polanski is unlikely to sway Reform voters passionate about immigration, there is potential crossover. "There are Reform voters who are going with Reform... because they're dissatisfied, distrusting, and disapproving of other political parties," Twyman explained. These voters could be wooed if they find Polanski and his policies more palatable.
With public attitudes on migration hardening and against the backdrop of a prolonged cost of living crisis, Polanski has set himself a formidable challenge. His critics may dismiss it as wishful thinking, but in an era defined by personality politics, his attempt to reframe the national conversation could yet reshape the political landscape.
