Green Party Leader Faces Backlash for Missing Key London Budget Vote
Zack Polanski, the leader of the Green Party of England and Wales, has come under fire for departing London City Hall during a crucial vote on the Mayor's budget. He left to campaign in the Gorton and Denton parliamentary by-election in Manchester, sparking criticism from Labour Assembly Members who accused him of putting party interests above his electoral duties.
Budget Approval and Missed Amendments
On Thursday, February 26, the London Assembly convened to approve Sir Sadiq Khan's draft budget for the 2026/27 fiscal year. The budget, which passed without any binding amendments, includes an additional £20 annual council tax increase for Londoners. This funding is earmarked for a police initiative targeting phone theft and bolstering resources for the London Fire Brigade.
During the session, Assembly Members considered seven amendments, including a Green Party proposal. This amendment advocated for increased financial support for renters' rights groups, legal challenges against Heathrow Airport expansion, and a reallocation of police investment priorities. However, all amendments were ultimately rejected, as they required significant Labour support to pass, which was not forthcoming.
Polanski's Early Departure and Campaign Move
The Local Democracy Reporting Service observed Mr. Polanski quietly exiting the City Hall chamber less than an hour into the meeting. Prior to his departure, he had engaged with Mayor Khan by asking several questions about the Final Budget for the upcoming year. Shortly before 11 a.m., he posted on social media that he was en route to Manchester via train.
Meanwhile, other Assembly Members, including fellow Greens, remained in the chamber until approximately 4 p.m. to continue questioning the Mayor and participating in votes on the budget amendments. This contrast highlighted Mr. Polanski's absence during the latter part of the proceedings.
Labour Criticism and Green Party Response
Labour representatives at City Hall were quick to condemn Mr. Polanski's actions. Leonie Cooper AM, Deputy Leader of the Labour Group on the London Assembly, stated to the Local Democracy Reporting Service that it was "completely unacceptable" for him not to stay for the full meeting or vote on the Mayor's Budget, which she described as one of the primary responsibilities of a London Assembly Member.
She emphasized that while personal reasons might occasionally justify missing meetings, leaving to campaign for a party is a different matter entirely. Cooper asserted that this incident underscores a pattern where the Green Party prioritizes its own agenda over effective governance and service delivery for the public.
In the Gorton and Denton by-election, Green candidate Hannah Spencer is considered a front-runner in what is expected to be a closely contested race. When approached for comment by the Local Democracy Reporting Service, Mr. Polanski declined to provide a statement regarding the criticism.
Background on Zack Polanski
Zack Polanski was elected as the Leader of the Green Party of England and Wales in September 2025. He previously secured a seat on the London Assembly in May 2021. His leadership is built on a platform of eco-populism, which aims to connect the climate crisis directly with the cost-of-living crisis by focusing on the "ultra-wealthy" and private corporations.
Key pledges from Mr. Polanski include implementing a wealth tax on billionaires and multi-millionaires to fund public services, as well as advocating for the nationalization of essential utilities such as water, energy, and rail companies. This approach has defined his political strategy and garnered attention within environmental and social justice circles.
