In April 2016, Zack Polanski, then a Liberal Democrat candidate, attended a hustings event in Barnet, north London. Jewish residents raised concerns about rising anti-Semitism linked to sentiments within the Labour Party following Jeremy Corbyn’s leadership election. They reported feeling unsafe and noted an increase in anti-Jewish hate crimes. Polanski responded by declaring himself a proud Jew and Zionist, stating that a vote for his party signified support for liberalism, Israel, and Judaism.
Early Background and Name Change
Originally named David Paulden, Polanski changed his name by deed poll to reclaim his family’s Jewish surname and distance himself from his stepfather. Before entering politics, he worked as a life coach, actor, corporate trainer, and hypnotherapist. At age 32, he sought the London Assembly seat, which offered a £63,000 annual salary, marking his first full-time salaried role.
Liberal Democrats Tenure
Polanski aligned with the party’s soft-right wing, as noted by a former colleague. At a 2011 party conference, he described the Liberal Democrats as family. Lib Dem Voice magazine named him a ‘star of 2015’ for his energy and efficiency. However, after failing to secure the Barnet seat and a parliamentary nomination in Richmond Park, he expressed frustration publicly on Facebook over the selection process. He soon defected to the Green Party, which placed him on the London Assembly. He rose to deputy leader in 2022 and leader in 2024.
Shift in Positions and Party Issues
Polanski’s stance has evolved significantly. The Green Party now emphasizes strong opposition to Israel. Ahead of local elections, two candidates faced arrests on suspicion of stirring racial hatred through social media. Saiqa Ali, running in Streatham, shared an image of a Hamas fighter captioned ‘Resistance is freedom.’ Sabine Mairey, in Clapham, posted a photo of a placard stating ‘ramming a synagogue isn’t anti-Semitism, it’s revenge.’ Lambeth candidate Mark Bittlestone reposted content alleging the October 7 attacks were a ‘false flag’ and describing Israel derogatorily.
Reports surfaced weeks earlier, but the party did not remove them initially. Polanski denied plans to campaign with Ali and Mairey on the day of their arrests.
Party Transformation and Policies
Under Polanski, the Greens have attracted former Labour members, boosting membership from 68,000 to about 225,000 in six months. The party advocates progressive economic policies, including tax reforms, amnesty for undocumented immigrants with housing and income support, abolishing the monarchy, and legalizing substances like heroin, crack cocaine, and GHB. Middle East issues, particularly criticism of Israel, remain central.
Deputy leader Mothin Ali, a social media influencer, urged disciplined members accused of anti-Semitism to pursue legal action, using ‘we’ in a leaked recording. On October 7, 2023, he posted on TikTok supporting indigenous resistance. After his 2024 Leeds councillor election, he celebrated under a Palestinian flag, calling it a win for Gaza and shouting ‘Allahu Akbar.’
Social Media Engagement and Controversies
Polanski frequently uses platforms like X and Bluesky to engage in debates. Analysis shows he visits Bluesky nearly 100 times daily, with a third of liked posts mentioning his name, indicating ego surfing. He has liked critical posts about journalists, including derogatory comments toward Marina Hyde, a Guardian columnist, and others like Sophy Ridge of Sky News.
Recently, he suggested rising Jewish fears of unsafety might stem from perception rather than reality. Following the Golders Green terror attack, he shared a post criticizing police for allegedly kicking the suspect, drawing condemnation from Home Office Minister Mike Tapp, the Jewish Labour Movement, and Met Police chief Mark Rowley. Rowley noted it fueled tensions, prompting Polanski’s apology.
Polling Success and Criticisms
The Greens poll at 15-20% and won the Gordon and Denton by-election, aided by pro-Palestinian support. A former Lib Dem colleague described Polanski as a content creator prioritizing online clout over consistent beliefs, calling him ambitious but not policy-driven.
Personal History and Career
Born in Salford in 1982 to a middle-class Jewish family—father Philip ran a real estate firm, mother Ava works in entertainment—Polanski attended Stockport Grammar School on scholarship before leaving after GCSEs. He studied drama in Aberystwyth, worked in theatre, as a holiday rep, and nightclub bouncer. In 2013, he practiced hypnotherapy in Harley Street, once claiming in media to enlarge breasts via hypnosis, later calling it a successful project in a radio interview.
Upon joining the Lib Dems in 2015, he spoke at conference, claiming to have personally called 2,000 new members—a claim doubted by attendees. Former Lib Dems view his departure as fortunate given the party’s current direction.
