Zack Polanski fights for survival at Greens conference – with Labour MPs looking to burst his bubble at Holborn by-election next week
Zack Polanski, Green Party leader, faces a critical test as he delivers his second conference speech amidst a severe slump in the party's support and an expected defeat in next week's Holborn and St Pancras by-election. The 43-year-old initially saw a surge in backing following his election just over a year ago, but the Greens' poll ratings have nearly halved since March. His political position is further weakened by rumours of a leadership challenge from deputy Mothin Ali and ongoing internal disputes.
The collapse in Polanski's fortunes coincides with Labour's shift to the Left under Andy Burnham, who has proven more popular than predecessor Keir Starmer. A defeat in Holborn, a gamble Polanski made personally, would represent a devastating blow to his leadership. The Brighton conference this weekend is also overshadowed by disagreements over broadcasting his speech due to by-election rules, and a contentious internal motion on Zionism that has prompted warnings from the party's former leader Caroline Lucas.
- Green leader Zack Polanski faces leadership crisis with poll ratings nearly halved.
- Expected defeat in Holborn by-election next week could seal his political fate.
- Deputy leader Mothin Ali reportedly preparing challenge in next year's election.
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Zack Polanski became leader of the Green Party just over a year ago. The party initially saw a surge in support following his election, but public backing has roughly halved since March and is now lower than when he took office.
Next week's by-election in Holborn and St Pancras is a significant test for Polanski's position as leader. The Greens are expected to lose the seat to Labour, which would be a serious setback to his authority.
Labour has shifted leftwards under Andy Burnham, becoming more popular than his predecessor Keir Starmer, which has reduced the political space available to the Greens. Polanski also faces internal party pressures, including rumours of a potential leadership challenge from deputy Mothin Ali.