UK Greens leader seeks rule change after party declares Zionism is racism

What the report says

Zack Polanski, leader of the UK Green Party, is calling for internal rule changes that would give party leaders greater say over strategy and policy direction. In an article published by The Guardian, and reported by Al Jazeera on 11 October 2026, Polanski said the party’s democracy should “evolve” to allow wider member engagement while making leadership responsibility and procedures more effective.

The push for reform comes after Green Party members approved a motion at the party’s annual conference on 4 October declaring Zionism to be racism. According to Al Jazeera, the vote was divisive and drew criticism from Jewish groups, other political parties and some Green Party MPs. The motion also backed Palestinian liberation, the right of return, the Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions campaign, and a full arms embargo against Israel.

Polanski also addressed criticism that he did not take part in the Zionism vote, saying his focus was on a major by-election in Holborn and St Pancras, the London seat formerly held by Keir Starmer. He said some members may have felt disappointed by his absence. Al Jazeera reported that Labour won the seat, and that Polanski said he would remain as Green Party leader. The article also noted that he has been barred from entering Israel following the party’s earlier position on Zionism.