In a striking political intervention, the Green Party's deputy leader, Zack Polanski, has declared he would be prepared to enter a political partnership with Labour if it were led by Andy Burnham, but has firmly ruled out any such arrangement under the current Prime Minister, Sir Keir Starmer.
A Conditional Alliance to Counter the Far Right
Speaking to the Financial Times, Polanski framed his position as a necessary move to counter the rise of the political right. He stated he could envision "the potential to work with Andy Burnham to stop Reform and to challenge the rise of the far right." In stark contrast, he added, "I would rule it out with Keir Starmer, but I wouldn't rule it out with Burnham."
This proposed alliance, however, hinges on two significant conditions. Firstly, the Green Party would need to win a substantial number of seats at the next general election to be a viable coalition partner for Labour. Secondly, Andy Burnham, the current Mayor of Greater Manchester, would have to successfully return to the House of Commons as an MP and subsequently win the Labour leadership.
Polanski was highly critical of the current government's economic strategy, labelling it a "broken, failed economic model." He advocated for significant fiscal reforms, including the introduction of a wealth tax and an increase in capital gains tax to align it with income tax rates.
Gary Lineker's Defence of Starmer and BBC Critique
The political commentary emerged from Polanski's podcast, 'Bold Politics with Zack Polanski,' which also featured an extensive interview with broadcaster and former footballer Gary Lineker. While Polanski criticised the Prime Minister, Lineker offered a more sympathetic personal view.
Lineker, who has met Starmer "two or three times," described him as "a very nice guy" who is "having a tough time." He acknowledged the Prime Minister is "not a hugely charismatic leader," but questioned whether that trait was fundamentally important.
The conversation shifted to the BBC, where Lineker, who left the corporation earlier this year, delivered a pointed critique of its governance. He argued there is "too much political influence from the very top" of the organisation, specifically criticising the government's role in appointing the BBC's chair and board members. "If they're going to talk about impartiality, start at the top," he asserted, suggesting those appointed by politicians "will obviously be partial."
Lineker claimed the BBC had "tied itself up in knots" by expanding impartiality rules beyond news and current affairs, making it "impossible to be impartial on everything." He expressed a "great affinity" for the BBC but concluded it needed to focus more on truth and reporting.
Lineker on Immigration, Abuse, and Gaza
Reflecting on his own outspoken comments on immigration, which have drawn criticism from right-wing commentators, Lineker said he felt it was important to use his platform to "speak on behalf of those that don't have a voice." He expressed empathy for migrants, stating, "I think we should do our fair share and look after people."
Regarding the online abuse he receives, Lineker, drawing on his football career, said "you learn to deal with abuse" and that he now takes it "as a compliment."
The interview concluded with Lineker's heartfelt hopes for 2026, focusing on the conflict in Gaza. He expressed a desire for "proper peace," criticising the current ceasefire as ineffective. "I look at my phone every day and I cry most days when I see it," he said, referring to images of innocent children being killed. While affirming Israel's right to defend itself, he questioned, "why doesn't Palestine have the right to defend itself? It doesn't." He challenged those who doubt the severity of the situation to demand full access for journalists.
Polanski's comments reveal the potential for significant political realignment under a future Labour leader, while Lineker's insights offer a unique perspective on the pressures facing both the Prime Minister and the nation's public broadcaster.
