Zack Polanski is a prominent British politician currently serving as the Leader of the Green Party of England and Wales, a position he assumed in September 2025. A key figure in modern environmental and social justice movements, Polanski is also an elected member of the London Assembly, where he has represented the capital since May 2021. Known for his “eco-populist” approach, he advocates for radical economic shifts including a Universal Basic Income (UBI), wealth taxes, and the renationalization of core utilities. Under his leadership, the Green Party has seen record-breaking growth, surpassing 200,000 members in early 2026 following significant electoral gains in regional by-elections.
In this deep-dive profile, we explore Zack Polanski’s journey from immersive theatre actor and mental health counselor to the helm of one of the UK’s fastest-growing political parties. You will learn about his unique family history, his transition from the Liberal Democrats to the Greens, and his legislative focus on London’s housing and environmental crises. This article provides an authoritative look at his policy platform, his leadership style, and his strategic vision for a post-neoliberal Britain focused on wellbeing rather than traditional GDP growth.
Early Life and Heritage
Zack Polanski was born David Paulden on November 2, 1982, in Salford, Greater Manchester. His family history is rooted in resilience; his Jewish ancestors fled pogroms in Latvia and Poland, eventually moving to the UK to escape Nazi occupation during World War II. To evade antisemitism in Britain, the family adopted the surname “Paulden,” which Zack used throughout his childhood while attending Stockport Grammar School on a scholarship.
At the age of 18, he made the significant personal decision to change his name back to Polanski, reclaiming his familial roots and expressing pride in his Jewish identity. This period of his life was marked by a growing interest in the arts and community engagement, eventually leading him to study at Aberystwyth University and later at a drama school in Georgia, USA.
Career Before Politics
Before his rise in the political arena, Polanski led a varied professional life centered on the “gig economy” and creative sectors. He worked extensively as an actor, notably with the immersive theatre company DifferencENGINE, appearing in productions such as The Hollow Hotel and The People’s Revolt at the Tower of London. Beyond the stage, he served as a youth worker, a mental health counselor, and even a hypnotherapist, experiences he frequently cites as foundational to his understanding of social vulnerability.
His background in performance and communication has been credited for his “fluent media presence” as a politician. He also taught at the Academy of Live and Recorded Arts and the National Centre for Circus Arts, maintaining a strong connection to London’s cultural industries even after transitioning into full-time public service.
Transition to the Green Party
Polanski’s formal political journey began in the Liberal Democrats, which he joined in 2015 during the era of the coalition government. He stood as a council candidate in Camden but gradually became disillusioned with the party’s direction, particularly regarding its perceived lack of focus on the struggles of “renters and the gig economy.”
In 2017, after meeting former Green Party leader Natalie Bennett, Polanski officially joined the Green Party of England and Wales. He quickly ascended through the ranks, serving as the party’s national spokesperson for democracy and citizen engagement and later as the treasurer for the Jewish Greens, finding a political home that aligned with his radical environmental and social views.
London Assembly Career
In May 2021, Polanski achieved his first major electoral breakthrough when he was elected to the London Assembly as a London-wide member. Since taking office, he has used his platform to champion issues such as proportional representation, air quality, and the rights of renters. He currently chairs the London Assembly Environment Committee, where he has been a vocal critic of airport expansion and the privatization of water services.
One of his most notable legislative successes involved securing cross-party support for a motion backing the Climate and Ecological Emergency Bill. He has also been a relentless advocate for “Zane’s Law,” which seeks to address the crisis of contaminated land in the UK, successfully pressuring the Mayor of London to support the initiative in early 2026.
Path to Party Leadership
Polanski was elected Deputy Leader of the Green Party in September 2022, succeeding Amelia Womack. During his tenure as deputy, he focused on linking the cost-of-living crisis with climate change, arguing that “a higher-wage economy is a green economy.” His visibility grew as he frequently appeared in national media to challenge both the Conservative and Labour parties on their fiscal policies.
In September 2025, Polanski won the leadership of the Green Party in a landslide victory, securing 85% of the vote. He succeeded the joint leadership of Carla Denyer and Adrian Ramsay, promising to offer a radical “eco-populist” alternative to the status quo. His leadership marks a shift toward a more confrontational stance against the Labour government led by Keir Starmer.
Eco-Populism and Policy
Polanski’s political philosophy, which he terms “eco-populism,” centers on the idea that environmentalism must be inseparable from economic justice. He argues that the climate crisis cannot be solved without addressing the “wealth elite” who benefit from the current system. His platform includes a “day one priority” of implementing a wealth tax—specifically 1% on assets over £10 million and 2% over £1 billion.
Furthermore, he has called for the UK to ditch GDP as its primary measure of success, suggesting a focus on mental health, community cohesion, and ecological health instead. This “wellbeing economy” would involve radical changes to fiscal rules and the potential renationalization of industries like Thames Water to ensure public services serve the people rather than shareholders.
Universal Basic Income Advocacy
A cornerstone of Polanski’s vision for Britain is the introduction of a Universal Basic Income (UBI). He describes UBI not as a utopian dream but as a practical necessity to combat the “dehumanizing” effects of the current welfare system. Polanski advocates for a recurring, unconditional payment to every citizen, which he argues would provide a floor of dignity and enable people to adapt to challenges like automation and artificial intelligence.
In 2024 and 2025, he intensified his campaign for UBI pilots in London, commissioning research that showed 50% of Londoners support the policy. He frequently highlights a Welsh pilot for care leavers as evidence of UBI’s potential to transform lives, suggesting it is the “bare minimum” required for a fair and sustainable society.
Impact on Party Membership
The “Polanski Effect” has been characterized by a dramatic surge in Green Party membership and polling. Since his election as leader in late 2025, the party’s membership has more than tripled, reaching a historic milestone of over 200,000 members by March 2026. This growth is largely attributed to his ability to attract voters dissatisfied with the Labour Party’s shift toward the political center.
This momentum was solidified by the 2026 Gorton and Denton by-election victory, where the Greens secured an unexpected win. Polanski has leveraged these successes to argue that the Greens are no longer a “protest party” but a viable alternative to the traditional two-party system in England and Wales.
Personal Life and Identity
Zack Polanski currently lives in Hackney, London, with his partner, Richie Bryan. He has spoken openly about his life as a “property guardian,” living in vacant buildings to help secure them in exchange for lower rent—a situation he uses to highlight the severity of London’s housing crisis. As a vegan, he frequently promotes plant-based diets and animal rights, even hosting “Veganuary” events at City Hall.
His identity as a gay, Jewish man from a working-class background in Salford is central to his public persona. He often discusses the importance of representation in politics and has been a firm advocate for LGBTQ+ rights and anti-racism. Despite facing personal trolling over his appearance, he has famously stated that such attacks only prove the Greens are “striking a nerve” with the political establishment.
2026 Political Outlook
As of March 2026, Polanski is focused on the upcoming local elections, where he predicts a “Green wave” across the UK. His strategy involves building a coalition of voters who are critical of both Keir Starmer’s Labour and the rise of right-wing populism. He has stated that his top priority is for the Wales Green Party to win its first seat in the Senedd, further expanding the party’s influence beyond the House of Commons and London Assembly.
With five MPs currently in Parliament and a rapidly growing grassroots base, Polanski’s leadership is testing whether a radical environmentalist platform can break the UK’s first-past-the-post electoral system. His focus on “missions” over “targets” continues to frame the national debate on how to achieve a just transition to a net-zero future.
Practical Information and Planning
How to Contact Zack Polanski
- London Assembly Office: City Hall, Kamal Chunchie Way, London, E16 1ZE.
- Green Party HQ: The Green Party of England and Wales, London.
- Email: Accessible through the official London.gov.uk and Greenparty.org.uk websites.
- Social Media: Active on X (Twitter), Instagram, and BlueSky under the handle @ZackPolanski.
Key Dates and Events
- Local Elections 2026: May 7, 2026.
- Green Party Autumn Conference: Scheduled for late September 2026.
- Assembly Plenary Sessions: Usually held monthly at City Hall (open to the public).
Tips for Supporting Green Initiatives
- Join the Party: Membership is open to all residents of England and Wales who support Green principles.
- Attend a Citizen’s Assembly: Polanski frequently advocates for these local democratic forums.
- Engage with Local Councils: The Greens now hold significant power in several large councils across the UK.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Zack Polanski?
Zack Polanski is the Leader of the Green Party of England and Wales and a member of the London Assembly. He is known for his “eco-populist” politics and advocacy for wealth taxes and Universal Basic Income.
What was Zack Polanski’s name before he changed it?
He was born David Paulden. He changed his name to Zack Polanski at age 18 to honor his Jewish heritage and reclaim his family’s original surname.
Is Zack Polanski in the House of Commons?
No, Zack Polanski is not an MP. He is a Member of the London Assembly (AM) and serves as the national leader of the Green Party.
What does “eco-populism” mean?
Eco-populism is a political strategy that links environmental protection with the economic needs of the working class. It focuses on how climate action can lower the cost of living and reduce wealth inequality.
What is Zack Polanski’s stance on UBI?
He is a staunch supporter of Universal Basic Income. He believes everyone should receive an unconditional payment to ensure their basic needs are met regardless of their employment status.
How many members does the Green Party have under Polanski?
As of March 2026, the Green Party of England and Wales has over 200,000 members, a record high for the party.
What is “Zane’s Law”?
Zane’s Law is a proposed piece of legislation named after Zane Gbangbola, aimed at forcing the government to identify and clean up contaminated land to prevent health crises. Polanski is a leading advocate for its adoption.
Does Zack Polanski support the Labour Party?
No, Polanski has stated he cannot imagine supporting a coalition led by Keir Starmer. He aims for the Green Party to eventually replace Labour as the primary progressive force in the UK.
What was Zack Polanski’s previous job?
Before entering politics, he worked as an actor, youth worker, mental health counselor, and hypnotherapist. He also worked in the hospitality sector and the gig economy.
Where did Zack Polanski grow up?
He grew up in Salford, Greater Manchester. He later moved to London in the mid-2000s after completing his university studies.
Is Zack Polanski vegan?
Yes, Zack Polanski is a vegan and frequently advocates for animal welfare and plant-based policies in the London Assembly.
Final Thoughts
Zack Polanski’s leadership represents a historical pivot for the Green Party of England and Wales. By leaning into a radical “eco-populist” identity, Polanski has successfully transitioned the party from a single-issue environmental group into a formidable progressive force capable of challenging the UK’s traditional two-party system. The “Polanski Effect” is most evident in the party’s explosive growth, with membership surpassing 200,000 following the landmark February 2026 by-election victory in Manchester Gorton and Denton.
The upcoming May 2026 local elections serve as the next critical litmus test for this strategy. With polls suggesting the Greens could seize control of up to nine London boroughs, Polanski is proving that a platform of Universal Basic Income, wealth taxes, and rent controls resonates deeply with an electorate weary of “rip-off Britain.” Whether his leadership can maintain this momentum toward the 2029 General Election remains to be seen, but for now, Polanski has undeniably placed the Green Party at the center of the national conversation on economic and climate justice.
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