Zack Polanski faces fresh humiliation after a disastrous Green Party result, as new figures from YouGov reveal the party's net favourability score has plunged to -16, its lowest ever recorded. This marks a stark decline from the +5 rating the Greens held shortly before Polanski took over as leader last September. According to the poll, 52% of respondents now view the Green Party negatively, a significant shift in public opinion.
Polanski's Controversies and Leadership Challenges
Polanski swept to victory in the Green leadership race last year, but his tenure has been marred by a series of controversies. He admitted to not voting in the local elections, citing a lack of time due to moving house. Additionally, the Greens were forced to return a donation he made three weeks after becoming leader because he was not on the electoral register at the time, a situation his spokesperson attributed to personal security concerns.
Polanski also faced allegations of failing to pay the correct council tax while living on a houseboat, though he was cleared of those charges last month. Other controversies include a false claim that he was a Red Cross spokesperson and comments made following the Golders Green attack. These incidents have contributed to a decline in the party's public image.
Comparison with Other Parties
The YouGov research also highlights shifting opinions on other major parties. Labour has the highest unfavourability level at 63%, with only 28% holding a positive view. The Conservatives follow closely with a 62% unfavourability score and 29% positive view. Reform UK ranks highest for very unfavourable views at 53%, though nearly 30% hold a favourable opinion of Nigel Farage's party. The Liberal Democrats have the lowest negative opinion at 48%, with 34% viewing them positively.
Changing Political Allegiances
YouGov's analysis of political allegiances since the 2024 general election shows that Labour voters are almost as likely to have a positive opinion of the Greens and Liberal Democrats two years on. Meanwhile, almost 60% of those who voted for Reform in 2024 also view Rupert Lowe's Restore Britain party positively, indicating a potential split in the right-wing vote.
