Gay politician Zack Polanski secures Green Party leadership

Zack Polanski has been elected as the new leader of the Green Party of England and Wales, a landmark victory that positions him as one of the few openly gay leaders in British politics. The election signals a significant moment for both the Green Party and LGBTQ+ representation in the UK political landscape.

Polanski, who joined the Green Party in 2017 and served as deputy leader from 2022, won by a significant margin, garnering 20,411 votes against the 3,705 votes received by former leaders Adrian Ramsay and Ellie Chowns. His victory is seen as a mandate for a more progressive direction for the party.

In his victory speech, Polanski, after thanking his partner, extended an invitation to those feeling politically unrepresented: "If you're feeling hopeless, if you're feeling in despair, if you're feeling politically homeless, there is a political home for you."

He further added, "And I promise you, nothing will make you feel more inspired, more ready to get out there and more like we can turn our country around than joining the Green Party."

Polanski launched his leadership bid four months prior, campaigning on a platform of “eco-populism” and advocating for a bolder, more radical Green Party. His vision includes increasing the party's representation in Parliament to "at least 30 MPs at the next election." He has, however, ruled out the possibility of a coalition with the Labour Party, expressing criticism of its current leader, Keir Starmer.

Former Green Party leaders Ramsay and Chowns issued a joint statement congratulating Polanski, affirming their commitment to holding the government accountable and advocating for policies that promote a fairer, greener future.

Polanski has expressed openness to collaboration with independent figures like Jeremy Corbyn and Zarah Sultana, though he believes it is premature to discuss formal electoral coalitions.

Corbyn himself acknowledged Polanski’s win on X, calling it a "stunning victory" and expressing his anticipation to collaborate in building a "fairer, kinder world.”