In April 2016, Zack Polanski, then a Liberal Democrats candidate for the London Assembly, attended a hustings event in Barnet, north London. Jewish residents raised concerns about rising anti-Semitism linked to rhetoric within the Labour Party following Jeremy Corbyn’s leadership election. They reported feeling unsafe and noted an increase in anti-Jewish hate crimes. Polanski responded by affirming his Jewish identity and Zionist views, stating that a vote for his party showed ‘support for liberalism, support for Israel and support for Judaism’.
Early Career and Name Change
Born David Paulden, Polanski changed his name by deed poll to reclaim his family’s Jewish surname and distance himself from his stepfather. Before politics, he worked as a life coach, actor, corporate trainer, and hypnotherapist. At age 32, he sought the London Assembly seat, which offered a £63,000 annual salary, marking his first full-time salaried role. Colleagues placed him on the party’s soft-Right wing. He described the Liberal Democrats as ‘family’ during a party conference speech.
Lib Dem Voice magazine named him a ‘star of 2015’ for his energy and efficiency.
Defection to Greens and Leadership Rise
After failing to secure the Barnet seat, Polanski ran for a parliamentary position in Richmond Park but was not selected, prompting public frustration over the process. He soon joined the Green Party, which placed him on the London Assembly. He advanced to deputy leader in 2022 and leader in 2024.
His positions have shifted markedly. He now opposes Israeli policies strongly, aligning with the party’s focus amid broader debates on the Middle East.
Party Candidates and Recent Arrests
Ahead of local elections, two Green candidates faced arrest on suspicion of stirring racial hatred through social media. Saiqa Ali, running in Streatham, shared an image of a Hamas fighter captioned ‘Resistance is freedom’. Sabine Mairey, in Clapham, posted a photo of a placard stating ‘ramming a synagogue isn’t anti-Semitism, it’s revenge’. Lambeth candidate Mark Bittlestone reposted content questioning the October 7 events as a ‘false flag’ and criticizing Israel harshly.
Reports surfaced weeks earlier, but the party did not remove them initially. Polanski denied plans to campaign with Ali and Mairey on the day of their arrests.
Deputy Leader’s Statements and Party Dynamics
Deputy leader Mothin Ali, a social media influencer, urged disciplined members accused of anti-Semitism to pursue legal action against the party, saying ‘we need to get some serious legal advice’ and start a ‘class action’. On October 7, 2023, he posted on TikTok supporting ‘the right of indigenous people to fight back’. After his 2024 councillor election in Leeds, he celebrated under a Palestinian flag, calling it ‘a win for the people of Gaza’ and shouting ‘Allahu Akbar’.
Under Polanski, Green membership has grown from 68,000 to about 225,000 in six months, attracting former Labour members. The party advocates policies like tax reforms, migrant amnesty, abolishing the monarchy, and decriminalizing certain drugs.
Social Media Activity and Golders Green Response
Polanski frequently engages on X and Bluesky, downplaying links between Gaza discourse and rising anti-Semitic incidents by suggesting some fears reflect ‘perception of unsafety’ rather than actual threats. Following a terror attack in Golders Green, he shared a post criticizing police for ‘repeatedly and violently kicking’ the suspect, drawing condemnation. Home Office Minister Mike Tapp called the view ‘disgusting’. Jewish Labour Movement deemed it ‘shocking’. Met Police chief Mark Rowley labeled it ‘inaccurate and misinformed’, contributing to tensions, prompting Polanski’s apology.
Analysis shows Polanski visits Bluesky nearly 100 times daily on average, with a third of liked posts mentioning his name. He has liked critical comments about journalists, including female ones.
Background and Past Ventures
Born in Salford in 1982 to a middle-class family—father Philip ran a real estate firm, mother Ava works in entertainment—Polanski attended Stockport Grammar School on scholarship before leaving after GCSEs. He studied drama in Aberystwyth and worked in theatre, as a holiday rep, and nightclub security. In 2013, he offered hypnotherapy at a Harley Street clinic, claiming breast size increases via suggestion in media interviews.
At the 2015 Lib Dem conference, he claimed to have personally called over 2,000 new members, a statement former colleagues viewed skeptically. His former party sees his departure as fortunate.
Polanski’s Greens poll at 15-20%, winning recent by-elections partly due to pro-Palestinian support. Critics argue his online style heightens tensions, while the party gains traction.
