Green Party Leader Zack Polanski Identifies Four Prime London Constituencies for Next Election Bid
The Green Party is experiencing a significant surge in momentum following their historic victory in Manchester, where Hannah Spencer secured the Gorton and Denton by-election. This triumph has emboldened the party to expand its political footprint, with leader Zack Polanski now setting his sights on several high-profile London seats for the upcoming UK General Election.
Rising Popularity and Strategic Ambitions
Recent polling data from YouGov indicates that while Reform UK currently leads with a projected 24 percent of the vote if an election were held today, the Green Party has demonstrated remarkable growth. Their support has nearly doubled from nine percent in February 2025 to 17 percent by February 2026. This upward trajectory positions them as a formidable force in British politics.
Hannah Spencer's election marks the fifth Green Party MP to enter Parliament, joining colleagues Carla Denyer in Bristol Central, Adrian Ramsay in Waveney Valley, Ellen Chowns in North Herefordshire, and Siân Berry in Brighton Pavilion. This expanding representation underscores the party's increasing influence across the country.
Polanski's London Focus: Four Key Constituencies
Zack Polanski, the Green Party leader known for his populist social media presence and background as a former actor, has publicly announced his intention to contest a North or Northeast London seat. In an interview with The Times, Polanski specifically mentioned considering runs in Hackney, Tottenham, or Walthamstow, potentially challenging established Labour Party figures.
Detailed Analysis of Target Seats
Hackney Constituencies: If Polanski chooses to stand in Hackney, he would face a decision between two constituencies. Hackney South & Shoreditch is currently represented by Dame Meg Hillier, who secured 59.3 percent of the vote in the 2024 general election. Alternatively, Hackney North & Stoke Newington is held by independent MP Diane Abbott, who won 59.5 percent. Notably, Green Party candidates were runners-up in both seats during the last election, capturing 22.6 percent and 23.9 percent of the vote respectively.
Tottenham Challenge: A Green Party victory in Tottenham would represent a major political upset, potentially unseating Deputy Prime Minister David Lammy. Lammy, who rose through Labour ranks following Angela Rayner's resignation, won 57.5 percent of the vote in 2024. The Green candidate finished second with 19 percent, indicating a competitive landscape.
Walthamstow Contest: In Walthamstow, Polanski would confront another senior Labour figure, Stella Creasy, who served as a frontbencher under Ed Miliband and Harriet Harman. Creasy achieved an impressive 59.3 percent majority in 2024, while the Green candidate garnered 20 percent of votes, demonstrating significant opposition presence.
Strategic Implications and Political Landscape
The Green Party's targeting of these London seats reflects a calculated strategy to capitalize on their growing popularity and challenge traditional political strongholds. Each constituency presents unique dynamics, from facing independent MPs to taking on government ministers, highlighting the party's ambition to disrupt established political hierarchies.
Polanski's potential candidacy in these areas signals the Green Party's commitment to expanding beyond their traditional bases and competing in urban centers where environmental and social issues resonate strongly with voters. This move comes as the party continues to build on their recent electoral successes and increasing vote share nationwide.
