Zack Polanski has vowed to maintain his position as Green Party leader following a by-election defeat, even as he confronts intense pressure and resignation calls from figures within his own ranks. Vivien Lichtenstein, the leader of the Jewish Greens, stated that Polanski should step down, describing his absence from a debate on a party conference motion defining Zionism as racism as a major mistake.
Lichtenstein's remarks followed criticisms from former Green Party leader Caroline Lucas, who argued that Polanski failed to demonstrate adequate leadership during the ongoing row. Polanski finished second behind Labour in the Holborn and St Pancras by-election in London, losing to Labour candidate Sagal Abdi-Wali, who captured 45 percent of the vote compared to Polanski's 33 percent. Despite the loss, the Green vote share increased significantly compared to the 2024 general election.
Speaking to broadcasters, Polanski confirmed that he has no intention of resigning, asserting that the Green movement extends far beyond a single election or conference vote. The party's next scheduled leadership ballot will take place in the summer of 2027. Polanski defended his decision to miss the vote in Brighton by pointing to his demanding campaign schedule in North London, though he noted he would have only supported the conference motion if specific amendments and caveats had been included.
The controversial motion passed by rank-and-file members defined Zionism as an ideology backing an ethnonationalist Jewish state while supporting a single democratic Palestinian state across historic Palestine. The decision has sparked severe internal fallout, with four out of five Green MPs, one deputy leader, the Welsh deputy, and several local councillors and members distancing themselves from the policy or resigning.
External pressure has also mounted, with Prime Minister Andy Burnham urging Polanski to overturn what he called a completely wrong motion. Meanwhile, Labour chair Bridget Phillipson drew parallels to her own party's past antisemitism troubles, suggesting the Greens are facing a serious problem. Polanski has maintained a distinction between anti-Zionism and antisemitism, emphasizing that no individual will be excluded from the party based on their faith or religious background.