Zack Polanski, a leader of the Green Party, falsely claimed to be a spokesman for the British Red Cross while raising money for an election campaign, it emerged on Tuesday night. The allegation, reported by The Times, centers on repeated assertions made during his bid for the party's deputy leadership in 2022.
False Claims on Website and Donation Pages
According to The Times, Mr. Polanski listed the spokesman title on his personal website and two donation pages. In 2020, his website stated he was working as a spokesman for the Red Cross. Two years later, while crowdfunding £400 for his deputy leadership campaign—which he subsequently won—he reiterated the claim, stating: 'As a spokesperson for the British Red Cross, I care deeply about ending racialised policing for an end to the phoney war on drugs.'
British Red Cross Denial
The British Red Cross rejected the claim, telling The Times that Mr. Polanski 'has not been a spokesperson.' A charity spokesperson emphasized their neutrality: 'We support people in crisis every day. 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.' However, the Green Party defended Mr. Polanski, stating he had hosted 'several fundraisers for the British Red Cross' and supported its work.
Political Reactions
Labour seized on the controversy, accusing Mr. Polanski of being 'caught in the act again' and calling on him to 'come clean with the public.' A Labour spokesman said: 'It's not the first time the Green Party leader hasn't been straight with the public. 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.'
Mr. Polanski's Response
On Tuesday night, Mr. Polanski responded on X (formerly Twitter), stating: 'I've always admired the work of the British Red Cross. From their work to support refugees, to their work supporting people in Gaza and conflict zones around the world.' The Green Party and British Red Cross were approached for further comment, but no additional details were provided.
