The New Statesman: politics and culture What will Zack Polanski do first with the Green Party? | Listener questions
Sep 6, 2025
The new leader of the Green Party, Zack Polanski, is set to make waves in UK politics. Listeners are curious about his vision and the party's dynamics in a competitive landscape. Discussions also highlight the potential collaboration among the left, including Jeremy Corbyn's stance on trans rights. The podcast examines the challenging relationship between migration and workers' rights, calling for a unified left response. Finally, there's a critique of the Liberal Democrats, questioning the seriousness of their policies and electoral strategies.
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Limits Of Green Leadership Power
- The Green leader cannot unilaterally set policy because members decide manifesto positions.
- Zack Polanski can reshape party style and membership outreach but will clash with sitting MPs over policy and NATO.
NATO Split Sparks Internal Tension
- Polanski suggested withdrawing the UK from NATO which caused visible friction with Green MPs.
- That split illustrates immediate tensions between leader-led populism and parliamentary Greens.
Two Parties, One Voter Base
- The Greens and the emerging Corbyn-aligned party occupy largely similar political ground.
- If both remain separate, first-past-the-post will likely prevent either from seriously challenging Keir Starmer.