The Green Party faces a leadership crisis as fresh polling reveals leader Zack Polanski’s approval ratings have dropped to -28 net, falling four points behind Nigel Farage’s -24 on the eve of Thursday’s pivotal Holborn and St Pancras by-election. The stark shift in public perception comes amid internal strife over the party’s controversial stance on Zionism, which has triggered resignations and raised questions about Polanski’s ability to unite the party. With Labour’s Keir Starmer having vacated the seat, the result could determine whether the Greens secure their first parliamentary foothold in the capital.
Poll Numbers Reveal Leadership Crisis
A More in Common survey published on Wednesday underscores the precarious position facing Polanski. Only 16% of respondents believe he is performing well as leader, compared to 43% who view his tenure negatively. The gap with Farage is particularly galling for the Greens, who have seen national support surge during Polanski’s leadership before this recent dip. Meanwhile, Labour’s Andy Burnham has climbed to +16 net approval, while Reform UK’s Farage remains slightly ahead of the Green leader at -24.
The decline in Polanski’s ratings coincides with heightened scrutiny of the Green Party’s policy on Zionism. Delegates at the party’s Brighton conference voted overwhelmingly on Sunday to adopt a resolution framing Zionism as a form of racism, a move Polanski abstained from. The decision has sparked backlash, with Wales deputy leader Ceri Shaw resigning on Tuesday, citing concerns over the party’s direction. Polanski responded in a statement on Monday, stressing that “antisemitism and criticism of the Israeli state are, and must always be, completely distinct – blurring the line between the two is not only wrong but antisemitic, and makes Jewish people less safe.”
Green Party Divided Over Zionism Policy
The controversy surrounding the Zionism resolution highlights deep fractures within the Green Party. The motion, which formally designates the party as “anti-Zionist,” has alarmed sections of its membership and broader Jewish communities. Shaw’s resignation marks the first high-profile exit following the conference vote, but insiders suggest further dissent could emerge if the policy is not softened or reversed. Critics argue the language risks conflating legitimate criticism of Israeli policies with antisemitism, a charge Polanski has consistently rejected.
Polanski’s abstention from the vote – made after he left the conference to campaign in Holborn and St Pancras – has done little to quell tensions. His office declined to comment further on the fallout, though sources close to the leader suggest he is focused on “managing the immediate electoral challenge” rather than engaging in broader policy debates. The by-election, scheduled for Thursday, is seen as a referendum on his leadership and the party’s ideological direction.
By-Election as a Litmus Test for Green Ambitions
Holborn and St Pancras has been a Labour stronghold since 1983, but the constituency has trended towards smaller parties in recent years. The Greens’ local election surge in May – marked by victories in Hackney and Lewisham – raised hopes of a breakthrough in Westminster. Yet the party’s national polling has stagnated since Burnham assumed the premiership, with voters seemingly splitting their support between Labour, Reform UK, and independents.
Polanski has downplayed the by-election’s significance, telling reporters on Wednesday that his leadership “doesn’t depend on it whatsoever.” However, the outcome could set crucial precedents. A loss would not only dent the Greens’ momentum but also embolden critics within the party who question his ability to navigate divisive issues. Conversely, a win would cement the party’s relevance in a key urban seat and provide a much-needed boost ahead of next year’s general election.
The Labour campaign, led by Starmer’s former parliamentary private secretary, faces its own challenges. While the party retains strong institutional roots in the area, voter fatigue over issues like housing and transport has opened space for alternatives. The Greens and independents, meanwhile, are positioning themselves as the primary challengers, with Garbett – the new Hackney mayor – endorsing Polanski’s candidacy.
Why it Matters
The poll’s revelations compound a turbulent period for the Green Party, whose internal divisions threaten to undermine its electoral ambitions at a critical juncture. Polanski’s declining approval, juxtaposed with Farage’s resilience, signals a recalibration of UK politics where traditional parties face competition from reformist movements. The by-election’s result will not only determine the constituency’s representative but also serve as a barometer for whether the Greens can transcend ideological infighting to present a cohesive, electorally viable alternative. Failure to bridge these rifts could relegate the party to a marginal role in the coming general election, while success might catalyse a broader realignment of British politics.
