Green Party leader Zack Polanski has acknowledged he was wrong to describe himself as a spokesperson for the British Red Cross. The admission comes as he faces scrutiny over past statements and a social media post that sparked widespread criticism.
False Claim During Deputy Leadership Campaign
According to reports first published by The Times on Tuesday, Mr Polanski made the false claim while campaigning to become the party's deputy leader in 2022. Asked about the matter on BBC Radio 4's Today programme, he stated: “I hosted various fundraisers for the British Red Cross, and indeed I would go on stage and speak for them about the amazing work they do tackling humanitarian crises, on the climate crisis, and indeed, for refugees all around the world.”
He added: “I used the wrong word, and I accept that, but I would essentially take words on stage with me and speak. It’s important, though, and I accept this, that they don’t support any political party, and I’ve made sure that’s been taken down.”
Plummeting Approval Ratings After Golders Green Post
Mr Polanski is also battling declining approval ratings after sharing a social media post that criticised police officers for kicking a suspect during an arrest in the Golders Green attack. The post was condemned by politicians from other parties and Metropolitan Police Commissioner Sir Mark Rowley, who described it as “inaccurate and misinformed”.
While Mr Polanski apologised for sharing the post in haste, he explained that he was “traumatised by seeing someone handcuffed and repeatedly kicked in the head”.
Antisemitism Accusations Against Greens
The Green Party is also facing accusations of antisemitism after Labour announced it would release a document claiming to expose 25 Green Party local election candidates for having “disturbing views”.
Upcoming Elections
Voters are set to go to the polls on Thursday for the Scottish and Welsh parliaments, as well as for local councils across England.
