Zack Polanski hits record low polling amid Green Party controversy

Green Party leader Zack Polanski has reached his lowest polling rating following a controversial policy decision regarding Zionism. An Ipsos survey conducted in October found that 52 per cent of the public holds an unfavourable view of Polanski, a six-point increase since September. His overall rating stands at minus 36, the lowest among all national party leaders.

The decline follows a Green Party conference in Brighton where a motion describing Zionism as “racism” was backed, a vote in which Polanski did not participate. This decision has triggered internal friction, with Vivien Lichtenstein, leader of the Jewish Greens, calling for his resignation. Additionally, the Labour Party has issued an ultimatum to local Green groups in coalition with them, demanding they disown the motion.

Polling data indicates Polanski has lost support across various demographics. While opposition is highest among older Britons, his net favorability among under-35s dropped from plus 16 in April to plus two. His standing with 2024 Labour voters also fell from a net favorability of plus seven to minus 24. These developments coincide with Polanski’s defeat in the Holborn and St Pancras by-election to Labour’s Sagal Abdi-Wali.