Green Party leader Zack Polanski has admitted he was wrong to claim he worked as a spokesman for the British Red Cross. A story in the Times newspaper revealed that Polanski had described himself as a 'spokesperson' for the charity on his personal website in 2020. The claim resurfaced when he was crowdfunding for his successful run to become the party's deputy leader two years later.
Charity Denies Role
The British Red Cross told the Times that Polanski had 'not been a spokesperson' and added that it had raised the issue with the leader's team. Asked about the claim on the BBC's Today programme, Polanski said: 'I used the wrong word, and I accept that.' He explained: 'I hosted various fundraisers for the British Red Cross, and indeed I would go on stage and speak for them about the amazing work they do tackling humanitarian crises, on the climate crisis and indeed for refugees all around the world.'
Correction and Further Allegations
The Green leader said he had made sure 'that's been taken down', as the charity does not support any particular political party. According to the Times, Polanski had also previously claimed to be a full member of the National Council of Hypnotherapy when he was not. Labour seized on the reports just hours ahead of the local elections, saying it was 'not the first time the Green Party leader hasn't been straight with the public'. A spokesperson said: 'He refuses to say if his council candidates have been suspended for vile antisemitism after claiming to have acted. Now there are serious questions about the work and qualifications he has boasted about. This is a matter of trust.'
Polanski on Prime Minister Ambitions
Elsewhere in the Today interview, Polanski said he was not yet ready to be Prime Minister. Laughing, he told the show: 'I've been leader for eight months and there's lots of skills and lots of knowledge to get.' The Green Party is expected to make significant gains in the English local elections tomorrow, with some London borough councils predicted to switch from Labour to Polanski's party. The controversy comes at a critical time as voters head to the polls.
