The Green Party of England and Wales has officially kicked off its local election campaign, with a staunch emphasis on housing issues that resonate deeply within communities across the nation. During a rally in Lewisham, south-east London, party leader Zack Polanski condemned the government’s track record on affordable housing and called for immediate rent controls to address the escalating crisis in the capital.
A Call to Action
Polanski’s declaration comes on the heels of the Green Party’s recent success in the Gorton and Denton by-election, where they managed to secure a seat previously held by Labour, who fell to third place behind Reform UK. This victory has invigorated the party’s campaign efforts as they prepare for the local elections on 7 May, where they aim to challenge the dominance of Labour and Conservative councils across England. Polanski positioned the upcoming elections as a crucial battleground, framing the choice as one between “hope and hate,” as smaller parties are poised to make significant inroads.
With the Green Party now boasting five MPs—a record for the party—Polanski has laid out an ambitious agenda targeting Labour’s strongholds in London boroughs such as Hackney, Lambeth, Islington, and Southwark. The Greens are determined to disrupt the status quo and push for policies that prioritise affordable housing over luxury developments that largely cater to wealthy investors.
Housing Crisis and Political Accountability
In his speech, Polanski did not hold back when addressing Labour’s ties to property developers. He accused the party of being “in the pockets” of those prioritising high-end housing projects at the expense of social and affordable homes. “I am not against property developers per se, but I am vehemently against excessive profits. We need to see a diverse range of developers, including council-run initiatives, to ensure that homes are built for people, not profits,” he stated.
The Green Party’s proposals include giving local councils the authority to implement rent caps tailored to their specific markets. Additionally, renters would be empowered to demand improvements in energy efficiency for their residences. Polanski stressed that housing should be viewed as a basic human need rather than a commodity for speculation.
Confronting the Leasehold System
Polanski also took aim at the government’s retreat from promises to abolish the “feudal” leasehold system, a structure many argue unjustly burdens homeowners with excessive service charges. He contended that this retreat demonstrates the government’s prioritisation of developers over the needs of ordinary citizens. “The government is more interested in catering to property developers than liberating five million leaseholders from financial strain,” he remarked.
The Green Party’s commitment to abolishing the leasehold system and introducing national rent controls underscores their broader vision of a housing landscape that serves the public good.
Labour’s Counterclaims
In response to Polanski’s assertions, a spokesperson for the Labour Party accused Green councillors of obstructing the construction of new homes, asserting, “The Greens oppose housebuilding. Where they’re in power, Green councils are backing out of their housing pledges entirely.” They highlighted Labour’s own initiatives, including the Renters’ Rights Act, which seeks to enhance tenant protections and support the building of new homes where they are needed most.
Official statistics indicate that between the Labour government’s election in July 2024 and March 2026, there have been 342,100 net additional homes delivered in England. Polanski, however, dismissed Labour’s claims as “nonsense,” insisting that his party is proud of its efforts to halt unaffordable developments while advocating for accessible housing solutions.
A Broader Political Context
In addition to housing issues, Polanski’s speech also encompassed broader geopolitical concerns, particularly regarding the UK’s position in the Middle East. He accused Labour of complicity in the ongoing Israeli bombardment of Lebanon and called for the UK to sever its ties with both the US and Israel regarding military actions in the region. His remarks come amid rising tensions and increasing civilian casualties in the area, with calls for the UK government to take a firmer stance on Israel’s actions.
Why it Matters
As the May elections approach, the Green Party’s focus on housing and social justice could resonate with a public increasingly frustrated by unaffordable living conditions and perceived governmental indifference. With the potential to shift the political landscape, the Greens aim not just for electoral gains, but to redefine the narrative around housing as a fundamental right. The outcome of these elections could signal a significant shift in local governance and policy priorities, affecting communities nationwide.