Polanski faces greatest crisis of his leadership so far

Polanski faces the greatest crisis of his leadership to date after a contentious vote at the Green Party conference in Brighton saw activists declare Zionism a form of racism. The motion defined Zionism as an ideology supporting "an ethnonationalist Jewish state" and endorsed a "single anti‑authoritarian Palestinian state across all of historical Palestine", which includes present‑day Israel. Polanski did not take part in the vote, explaining that he had chosen to stand in the Holborn and St Pancras constituency instead. Since then he has repeatedly declined interview requests, saying the pressure on him has intensified. One Green figure told this reporter, "He has created a monster he either can't or won't control," describing the sentiment of many activists who are furious with the outcome. Party membership has grown by more than threefold in the last twelve months, a shift that internal critics attribute to an influx of hard‑left campaigners prioritising Middle‑East issues over traditional environmental concerns. Within the party and beyond, tensions are rising. Polanski, who is Jewish, has been barred from Israel. The Jewish Leadership Council and the Board of Deputies of British Jews have condemned the party's stance, as have sister Green parties across Europe. Former party leader Caroline Lucas, one of the most prominent Green figures of her generation, told BBC Newsnight, "Polanski had failed to amusement enactment implicit the issue." She also said, "She besides failed to backmost him carrying connected arsenic leader." When asked after the Holborn and St Pancras by‑election result whether he could remain leader, Polanski replied, "of course I can carry on." He stopped short of condemning the motion his party adopted, stating instead that there is "an ongoing genocide and the displacement of the Palestinian people." He added, "I believe that is clearly racist." Israel has repeatedly denied that its actions in Gaza constitute genocide. On the question of a two‑state solution – an Israeli and a Palestinian state coexisting peacefully – Polanski said, "I believe it is not our role to decide." He reiterated that his duty is "to reassure people and make sure that we bring our party together," and insisted, "No one will be excluded in the Green Party based on religion and faith." Nevertheless, Polanski now confronts the biggest challenge of his leadership so far, facing open dissent from senior figures inside the party and widespread criticism from outside observers. Although the Holborn and St Pancras campaign may be over, the questions surrounding his position remain unresolved. Read the full story at BBC News →