Polanski Defies Resignation Calls After Holborn Loss and Zionism Row

Key points

• Labour's Sagal Abdi-Wali won the Holborn and St Pancras by-election with 45% of the vote, defeating Green leader Zack Polanski who received 33%.
• The Green vote share rose by 22 percentage points compared to the 2024 general election, though turnout was lower at 38.6%.
• Polanski stated he would not have voted for the 'Zionism is racism' motion, which was passed at the party conference in Brighton.
• Vivien Lichtenstein, leader of the Jewish Greens, called for Polanski's resignation, citing his absence from the vote as a major failure of leadership.
• Former Green leaders Caroline Lucas and Jonathan Bartley criticized Polanski for failing to show leadership, though neither explicitly demanded his immediate resignation.
• Polanski faces a potential leadership challenge in summer 2027, with internal divisions over the motion and antisemitism concerns.

Background

The Green Party has faced significant turmoil since adopting a motion declaring Zionism a form of racism in early October 2026. This policy led to an Israeli ban on Polanski, condemnation from European allies, and resignations among party members, including the Welsh deputy leader. The party had previously gained momentum in spring 2026, nearly matching Labour in polls, but has since lost ground as Prime Minister Andy Burnham's Labour government took power. The Holborn by-election was seen as a crucial test for the Greens' ability to challenge Labour in a key London seat previously held by former PM Keir Starmer.

How outlets are covering it

BBC and Financial Times both report on Polanski's decision to stay as leader despite the by-election loss and internal criticism. BBC emphasizes the pressure from Vivien Lichtenstein and former leaders, while Financial Times highlights the electoral implications for Labour and the potential split within the Greens. Both outlets note the significant increase in Green vote share, but differ in emphasis: BBC focuses on the leadership crisis and antisemitism concerns, while Financial Times frames the result as a boost for Prime Minister Burnham and a sign of Labour's recovery. BBC reports that Polanski defended his absence from the vote by citing campaigning duties, while Financial Times notes his explicit statement that he would have opposed the motion. Both sources agree that Polanski faces a leadership challenge in summer 2027, but BBC suggests he may be safe from an immediate challenge due to grassroots popularity, while Financial Times implies the loss will intensify questions over his leadership.

Why it matters

The outcome of the Holborn by-election and the internal Green Party crisis over the Zionism motion have significant implications for UK politics. The result demonstrates Labour's ability to retain seats and potentially stem the flow of left-wing voters to the Greens. The internal divisions within the Green Party could lead to a split or leadership change, affecting the party's future viability as a major political force. The controversy also raises broader questions about antisemitism and the party's stance on the Israel-Palestine conflict, which could impact its relationship with Jewish communities and international allies.

What to watch

Polanski is expected to face a leadership challenge in summer 2027, as per party rules. In the interim, he plans to fight to amend the 'Zionism is racism' motion to allow for a two-state solution, which could lead to further internal conflict with pro-Palestinian activists. The Green Party will need to address concerns about antisemitism and restore trust among members and the public. Labour will likely use the by-election victory to bolster its position and counter criticism from the left.