Green Party Leader Faces Political Jeopardy After By-Election Loss and Controversial Motion

Green Party leader Zack Polanski is contending with a crisis of leadership following a significant by-election defeat and a controversial party motion that has drawn widespread criticism. The party lost the Holborn and St Pancras seat, a former stronghold of Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer, to Labour's Sagal Abdi-Wali by over 3,000 votes.

The loss compounded a tumultuous week for Polanski, during which the Green Party conference passed a resolution declaring 'Zionism is racism.' This motion has led to accusations of anti-Semitism against the party and reports to the police and an equalities watchdog.

Calls for Polanski's resignation have emerged from within and outside the party. The chairman of the Jewish Greens urged him to step down, citing a 'dereliction of duty.' Robin Harper, former leader of the Scottish Greens, described Polanski as a 'chancer' who should not have held the leadership position.

Caroline Lucas, a former Green MP and leader, expressed disappointment that Polanski was not present at the conference to vote on the motion, stating, 'he should have been there and he should have voted.' Lucas called the motion 'dangerous' and 'divisive.'

Polanski defended his absence from the Brighton conference, explaining he was focused on campaigning for the by-election, which he deemed crucial. He told the BBC he had been persuaded by activists in his constituency to focus on the election. However, Brighton Green MP Sian Berry revealed that many members felt pressured not to publicly voice concerns about the motion due to the by-election campaign.

Polanski, who is of Jewish descent, stated he would not have voted for the 'Zionism is racism' motion, citing aspects he found unacceptable. When pressed on whether Israel has a right to exist, he declined to answer directly, instead calling for equal rights for Israelis and Palestinians.

Senior Labour figures have also condemned the Green Party's stance. Defence Secretary Wes Streeting suggested the Greens' position indicated that 'racism against Jewish people is OK because they oppose Israel.' Housing Secretary Steve Reed accused Polanski of enabling 'anti-Semites' to take over his party.

Despite the mounting pressure, Polanski has insisted he will remain as leader. A Green Party spokesperson highlighted the party's non-hierarchical structure, stating that individual members are free to express their views and that no one issues instructions on internal matters. Polling by YouGov reportedly indicates that a third of Britons believe Polanski should step down, with only a fifth supporting his continued leadership.