The Green Party has been compelled to return a £1,539.45 donation from its leader, Zack Polanski, after it was deemed impermissible under electoral law. According to Electoral Commission data, the donation was made in September last year, weeks after Polanski became party leader, but he was not on the electoral register at the time.
Electoral Commission rules require such donations to be returned within 30 days of receipt. However, official data shows the Green Party reported the donation in October last year but only returned the money on June 10, 2026. The Commission stated it is considering the matter under its regulatory remit but confirmed it is not currently under investigation.
A Green Party spokesperson told the Financial Times that Polanski was not on the electoral register due to personal security concerns. “When the issue was brought to the national party’s attention, the donation was returned,” they said. The party has faced criticism from Labour chair Anna Turley, who accused Polanski of a “growing track record of thinking the rules don’t apply to him,” citing previous issues over council tax and voting.
Earlier this year, the party confirmed Polanski was unable to vote in May’s local elections due to moving house amid security concerns. A spokesperson said he had faced antisemitic and homophobic abuse. The controversy also includes a dispute over council tax payments while living on a houseboat, which the party described as an “unintentional mistake” that Polanski has taken steps to rectify.
