In April 2016, Zack Polanski, a Liberal Democrat candidate, attended a hustings event in Barnet, north London. Jewish residents expressed fears over rising anti-Semitism amid concerns about the Labour Party following Jeremy Corbyn’s election as leader. They reported feeling unsafe and noted an increase in anti-Jewish hate crimes. Polanski affirmed his Jewish heritage and Zionist stance, spreading his arms and declaring that votes for the Liberal Democrats support liberalism, Israel, and Judaism.
Early Career and Name Change
Born David Paulden, Polanski legally changed his name to reclaim his family’s Jewish surname and distance himself from his stepfather. Before politics, he worked as a life coach, actor, corporate trainer, and hypnotherapist. At age 32, he sought a £63,000-a-year seat on the London Assembly, which would have been his first full-time salaried role.
A former colleague described him as part of the party’s soft-Right wing. At a 2011 Liberal Democrat conference, Polanski called the party ‘family.’ Lib Dem Voice later praised him as a ‘star of 2015’ for his energy and efficiency.
Defection to Greens and Rise to Leadership
Polanski failed to secure the Barnet seat and later lost a parliamentary selection in Richmond Park, prompting public frustration on Facebook over the lack of feedback or appeals. He soon joined the Green Party, which placed him on the London Assembly. He became deputy leader in 2022 and leader in 2024.
Recent Party Controversies
Green Party candidates for upcoming local elections face scrutiny. Two, Saiqa Ali in Streatham and Sabine Mairey in Clapham, were arrested this week on suspicion of stirring racial hatred through social media. Ali shared an image of a Hamas fighter captioned ‘Resistance is freedom.’ Mairey posted a photo of a placard stating ‘ramming a synagogue isn’t anti-Semitism, it’s revenge.’ Lambeth candidate Mark Bittlestone reposted claims that the October 7 attacks were a ‘false flag’ and described Israel as a ‘colony of inbreds, rapists and thieves.’
Reports indicate these issues were raised with the party weeks earlier, but no action followed initially. Polanski denied plans to campaign with Ali and Mairey.
The party has attracted former Labour members, boosting membership from 68,000 to about 225,000 in six months. It advocates progressive economic policies, amnesty for undocumented immigrants with housing and wages, abolishing the monarchy, and legalizing drugs like heroin, crack cocaine, and GHB. Opposition to Israel remains a key focus.
Deputy Leader’s Statements
Deputy leader Mothin Ali, a social media influencer, appears in a leaked recording urging members disciplined for anti-Semitism to pursue legal action against the party, using ‘we’ to refer to them. On October 7, 2023, Ali posted on TikTok supporting ‘the right of indigenous people to fight back.’ After his 2024 Leeds councillor election, he celebrated under a Palestinian flag as ‘a win for Gaza’ and shouted ‘Allahu Akbar.’
Polanski rarely criticizes such views and shares inflammatory posts himself. Recently, he suggested rising Jewish fears of attacks might stem from ‘perception of unsafety’ rather than actual threats.
Response to Golders Green Incident
Following a terror attack in Golders Green, Polanski shared a post criticizing police for ‘repeatedly and violently kicking’ the suspect. Home Office minister Mike Tapp called the view ‘disgusting.’ The Jewish Labour Movement deemed it ‘shocking.’ Metropolitan Police chief Mark Rowley wrote to Polanski, noting the post was ‘inaccurate and misinformed’ and fueled tensions, prompting an apology.
Online Activity and Political Style
Polanski maintains a heavy social media presence on platforms like X and Bluesky, engaging in debates to gain attention. Analysis shows nearly 35,000 Bluesky visits in a year, averaging 100 daily, with frequent searches for his own name. He has liked posts criticizing journalists, including derogatory comments about Marina Hyde, a Guardian columnist, and others.
A former Liberal Democrat colleague described him as a ‘content creator’ driven by clout rather than fixed beliefs. The Greens poll at 15-20% and recently won a by-election aided by pro-Palestinian support.
Background and Early Ventures
Born in Salford in 1982 to Jewish parents who divorced young, Polanski attended Stockport Grammar School on scholarship before leaving after GCSEs, citing bullying related to his sexuality. He studied drama at Aberystwyth University and worked in theatre, as a holiday rep, and nightclub security.
In 2013, he practiced hypnotherapy in a Harley Street clinic. A newspaper article highlighted claims of enlarging breasts via hypnosis. In a follow-up radio interview, Polanski called it a ‘successful project’ with a patient’s bust growing four inches.
At the 2015 Liberal Democrat conference, he claimed to have personally called over 2,000 new members, a statement attendees found implausible. Former colleagues view his departure as fortunate, given the Greens’ current direction.
