Sky News Daily What’s Zack Polanski’s story?
12 snips
Sep 5, 2025 
Join George Monaghan, a commissioning editor at the New Statesman, and Caroline Russell, the Green leader in the London Assembly, as they delve into Zack Polanski's dynamic rise in left populism. Discover how Polanski's unique background and policies like a wealth tax aim to reshape UK politics. They discuss the challenges of party unity and how smaller parties, especially the Greens, are becoming significant alternatives to the traditional political landscape. A fresh perspective on politics aiming to energize and unite.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
Green Eco-Populist Strategy
- Zack Polanski aims to position the Greens as a left populist alternative with policies like a wealth tax and renationalising water.
- His pitch targets both Labour and Reform by mixing environmentalism with economic redistribution.
Name Change And Acting Past
- George Monaghan recounts Polanski's personal reinvention from David Paulden to reclaim his family's Jewish name and identity.
- He also describes Polanski's background in drama school and immersive acting roles including Peaky Blinders experiences.
Hypnotherapy Story With The Sun
- Monaghan tells a quirky story of Polanski attempting hypnotherapy to help a Sun journalist with body confidence.
- Polanski apologised later and framed it as self-affirmation work rather than malicious intent.