Zack Polanski, leader of the United Kingdom’s Green Party, has proposed a possible overhaul of his party’s democratic mechanisms that would give the leader greater control over strategic direction. The proposal was set out in an article published on Sunday.
The call follows a divisive vote at the party’s annual conference on October 4, when members passed a motion declaring that Zionism is racism. Polanski also failed to win a parliamentary seat in a by-election held in the wake of the row with Israel.
Motion on Zionism draws wide criticism
The motion called for “Palestinian liberation, the right of return, Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions (BDS), and a full arms embargo against Israel”. It was criticised by Jewish groups, other parties and most Green Party MPs.
In his article, Polanski wrote that “our party democracy must now evolve to meet that”. He pointed to wider engagement for members, more responsibility for leaders to set strategy, and processes that are as robust and accessible as possible.
Polanski explains his absence from the vote
Polanski said he had been asked why he did not attend the vote. He said his priority was fighting a “hugely consequential by-election for our party”, and that he put all his “energy into the race in Holborn and St Pancras”.
He admitted that some members feel “let down” by his decision not to appear there. The Labour Party won the Holborn and St Pancras seat, vacated by former leader Keir Starmer, on Friday, fending off a strong challenge from the Greens. The result was a boost for British Prime Minister Andy Burnham.
Polanski vows to stay on as leader
After conceding defeat, Polanski said he would stay on as leader. He added that unity “must be deployed in the service of changing this country for the better”.
He was also barred from entering Israel after his party backed the motion defining Zionism as racism.
