Green party leader seeks rule changes after Zionism vote

Green Party leader Zack Polanski has signaled a potential overhaul of the party’s grassroots democracy to give leaders more control. He made these remarks in an article following a divisive conference vote that equated Zionism with racism. The move comes after he lost a significant by-election in Holborn and St Pancras.

Polanski argues that rapid membership growth requires evolving democratic structures. He suggests giving leaders more responsibility for setting strategic direction while maintaining wide member engagement. This proposal addresses concerns that current rules allow a small minority of activists to determine policy for the wider membership base.

The controversy intensified when 1,022 members voted in favor of the motion. This represented about 0.4% of total membership but passed by a margin of 813 votes against. Four of the party’s five MPs opposed the measure, which also drew criticism from European Greens.

Polanski admitted his priority was fighting the by-election rather than intervening in the conference debate. He acknowledged that some colleagues and members felt let down by his absence during the vote. He stated that he put all his energy into the race because electoral success is how the party drives change.

Westminster leader Ellie Chowns argued the vote showed an urgent need to modernize policymaking structures. She warned the party must not become vulnerable to capture by extremists. Polanski noted that while he shares the view that Zionism underpins Palestinian displacement, it is not a political party's job to define beliefs.