Green Leader Proposes Democratic Overhaul After Zionism Vote and By-Election Loss
UK Green Party leader Zack Polanski has called for a major reform of the party's decision-making processes, arguing that leaders need more control over strategy after a divisive vote declared Zionism a form of racism. This move follows his defeat in the Holborn and St Pancras by-election, where Labour secured the seat vacated by former PM Keir Starmer. While Polanski supports the motion's core criticism of Israel, he opposes its call for a single Palestinian state and questions whether parties should define members' beliefs. The controversy has sparked internal rifts, with four of five Green MPs opposing the motion, and external condemnation from Jewish groups and European allies. Polanski has vowed to remain leader despite criticism for his absence during the vote.