Green Party leader Zack Polanski has acknowledged he was wrong to describe himself as a spokesperson for the British Red Cross. The admission came after the Times reported he made the false claim while campaigning for the party’s deputy leadership in 2022.
Speaking to BBC Radio 4’s Today programme on Wednesday, Polanski said he had hosted fundraisers for the charity and would speak on stage about its work. “I used the wrong word, and I accept that,” he said, adding that he had ensured the claim was removed.
The controversy comes amid wider criticism of Polanski’s judgment. He faced backlash last week for sharing criticism of police officers who were seen kicking a suspected attacker in the head after a stabbing in Golders Green. Polanski defended his response, saying he was “traumatised” by the footage but acknowledged officers are “incredibly brave”.
Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch said Polanski was “in over his head” and accused him of not taking politics seriously. A Labour Party spokesperson called his continued sympathy for the suspect “utterly astounding”.
Polanski insisted the Green Party is taking action against antisemitism, announcing a standardised vetting process and compulsory training for candidates. He said the party is “anti-racist” and that antisemitism is “completely unwelcome”.
Polling by YouGov shows public opinion of Polanski has worsened, with unfavourable views rising from 39% to 47% after the Golders Green incident.
