Zack Polanski faces Green Party crisis as by-election could cement leadership downfall
Zack Polanski faces Green Party crisis as by-election could cement leadership downfall The Green Party leader is facing growing pressure as internal divisions deepen and Labour eyes a crucial by-election victory. Share Article Share Article Facebook X LinkedIn Reddit Bluesky Email Copy Link Link copied Bookmark Add us as preferred source Comments ANALYSIS By Steph Spyro , Deputy political editor and environment editor 09:00, Mon, Oct 5, 2026 Updated: 09:07, Mon, Oct 5, 2026 Zack Polanski could cause a snap general election if turfed out as leader (Image: Getty) The Green Party’s members may have cemented Zack Polanski’s future during a crunch vote on Sunday. It could be just a matter of time until the man who helped resurrect the party is ousted as its leader and triggers a snap General Election within months. Hypnotherapist Polanski was nowhere to be seen when his members voted to declare that “Zionism is racism” at their Party’s conference in Birmingham. He was instead likely campaigning on the doorsteps of Holborn and St Pancras, where he is standing in the race to replace Keir Starmer as an MP after he quit. As things stand, pollsters have broadly forecast that Labour will win the by-election, which would be a welcome boost for Prime Minister Andy Burnham, who is looking for proof he can take on the Greens and win. Article continues below ADVERTISEMENT A bruising by-election defeat for Polanski, who could not even turn up for a controversial vote at his own party's conference, could lead to him getting turfed out as leader. This comes on the back of his battle against a plunge in popularity and a dip in the polls. Insiders also believe that the Greens have been marred by infighting, with huge splits over its approach to the Middle East, the environment (or lack thereof) and support for trans people. Get the latest politics news - straight from our team in Westminster and more I would like to receive emails from the Daily Express featuring our latest products, services, offers, and promotions from across the Reach Plc family . Subscribe Invalid email You agree you are 18 or over. We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you've consented to and to improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and third parties based on our knowledge of you. You can unsubscribe at any time. More Info . The friction centres on the interaction between its traditional, socially progressive platform and its surging support among pro-Palestine and Muslim voters. Article continues below ADVERTISEMENT The internal chaos could see Labour have a surge in the polls and potentially embolden Mr Burnham to call a snap General Election. The Prime Minister is on Monday gathering his top team at his grace and favour pad of Chequers, in Buckinghamshire. Article continues below ADVERTISEMENT He could be putting his troops on a war footing ahead of a national vote in spring. The Makerfield by-election earlier this year was dubbed one of the most consequential of British political history. But the one coming up on Thursday in London is certainly one to watch as it could be the first domino to fall in the race to a General Election. Shabana Mahmood makes bombshell admission on Channel migrants 'probably been raped' Michael Gove makes shock prediction for next PM as Nigel Farage has 'change of weather' Labour Party Green Party By-election Zack Polanski Share Article Share Article Facebook X LinkedIn Reddit Bluesky Email Copy Link Link copied Bookmark Add us as preferred source Comments