Zack Polanski, the leader of the Green Party, is facing demands to be transparent with the public after allegedly misrepresenting himself as a spokesman for the British Red Cross while fundraising for his campaign to become deputy leader of the party. The accusation comes just one day before pivotal local elections, where the Greens are anticipated to achieve substantial gains.
Allegations of Misrepresentation
According to archived posts on the Crowdfunder website, Mr. Polanski stated: "As a spokesperson for the British Red Cross – I care deeply about ending racialised policing and have been calling for an end to the phoney war on drugs. Black Lives Matter." However, it is understood that while Mr. Polanski has previously supported the charity, he has never held an official spokesperson role. The claim was made during his 2022 campaign for deputy leader, as first reported by The Times.
Labour's Response
A Labour Party spokesperson criticised Mr. Polanski, saying: "After previously fibbing about his weird hypnotic past, Zack Polanski has been caught in the act again. It’s not the first time the Green Party leader hasn’t been straight with the public. He refuses to say if his council candidates have been suspended for vile antisemitism after claiming to have acted. Now there are serious questions about the work and qualifications he has boasted about. This is a matter of trust. Voters will rightly wonder whether Lib Dem-turned-Green Polanski believes anything at all, or whether it’s just all for a cheap headline. Polanski should come clean with the public."
Broader Controversies
The controversy adds to Mr. Polanski's recent struggles, including plummeting approval ratings following a social media post that criticised police officers for their actions during the Golders Green attack. His approval rating dropped 14 points in the past week, according to a More in Common poll. The post was condemned by the Metropolitan Police Commissioner, Sir Mark Rowley, who called it "inaccurate and misinformed."
Additionally, the Green Party is facing accusations of antisemitism. Labour claims to have a document exposing 25 Green Party local election candidates for holding "disturbing views," including antisemitism, conspiracy theories, and comments supporting Hamas and Russia. Two individuals have been arrested on suspicion of stirring up racial hatred towards Jews.
Green Party's Defense
A Green Party spokesperson defended the party, stating: "We are standing over 4,500 candidates in these local elections, the vast majority of whom we are proud to have represent us. Where there are examples brought to our attention that do not align with the values of the Green Party, we are looking into them, and in some cases candidates have already been suspended. We are investing in strengthening our vetting procedures to prevent inappropriate candidates slipping through the net."
Regarding Mr. Polanski's role with the Red Cross, the spokesperson said: "Zack was a host for several fundraisers for the British Red Cross and was on stage actively talking about and supporting their work."
British Red Cross Statement
A British Red Cross spokesperson clarified: "We support people in crisis every day, no matter who or where they are. That is only possible due to the large number of people who raise funds for us and volunteer for us. We are a neutral and impartial humanitarian organisation and to protect our vital work, we do not take part in party-political activity or campaigns."
Mr. Polanski, who is a Green Party London Assembly member, successfully became deputy leader in 2022 and held the role for nearly three years before assuming the leadership last September.
