Green Party Leader – Zack Polanski Background and Timeline

The Green Party of England and Wales has a new leader. Zack Polanski took the helm in September 2025 after a landslide internal election, bringing a fresh style and a diverse personal background to the party’s top role. For many, the question “Who is the Green Party leader?” now points to a figure who is openly gay, Jewish, and proudly vegan — a combination that sets him apart from most previous leaders.

Polanski’s rise comes at a time of growing membership and political influence for the Greens. Within months of his election, the party secured its first Westminster by-election victory. Understanding who Polanski is, what he stands for, and how the party’s leadership has evolved over time provides a clearer picture of the Green Party’s direction.

Who Is the Current Green Party Leader?

Green Party Leader at a Glance

Key Insights

• Zack Polanski is the first Jewish leader of the Green Party of England and Wales and the first lone male leader in the party’s modern history.
• He is also the first London Assembly member to hold the party leadership.
• The current leader is not a woman and not Muslim, contrary to some speculation.
• Polanski won the 2025 leadership election with approximately 85% of the vote.
• The Green Party has had five leadership arrangements (including co-leaders) since its founding in 1990.
• Under his leadership, party membership reportedly rose to 225,000 members, including 40,000 young members.

Green Party Leadership – Key Facts

What Is Zack Polanski’s Background and Political Career?

Early Life and Education

Zack Polanski was born David Paulden on 2 November 1982 in Salford, Greater Manchester. At age 18, he reverted to the surname Polanski to honour his Jewish grandfather’s roots. He studied drama at Aberystwyth University from 2003 to 2005.

Before Politics

Polanski worked as an actor, a hypnotherapist, and a mental health counselor. He has described these roles as shaping his understanding of human behaviour and resilience.

Political Journey

He joined the Liberal Democrats in 2015 and was a candidate for them in 2017. Later that year, after interacting with former Green Party leader Natalie Bennett, he switched to the Greens. He was elected to the London Assembly in May 2021 and became Deputy Leader of the Green Party in September 2022, succeeding Amelia Womack. In September 2025, he won the leadership election with 85% of the vote, defeating a joint bid from Adrian Ramsay and Ellie Chowns.

Religion and Identity

Polanski identifies as Jewish and has spoken openly about his faith. The Green Party itself is secular but supports religious freedom and interfaith cooperation. Polanski is also openly gay and lives in Hackney, London, with his partner Richie Bryan.

His leadership style is described as authentic and left-leaning, focusing on “eco-populism” and positioning the party as a replacement for Labour under Keir Starmer. He has been likened to Zohran Mamdani for blending environmental and socialist policies.

Who Were the Previous Green Party Leaders?

Early Leadership (1990–2008)

The Green Party of England and Wales was founded in 1990. Its first leaders were Jean Lambert and Richard Lawson as co-leaders (1990–1992). Several rotations followed, with co-leadership being the norm. Caroline Lucas served as interim leader from 2008 to 2010 and later as solo leader from 2010 to 2012.

Natalie Bennett (2012–2016)

Natalie Bennett led the party during a period of increased visibility, including the 2015 general election where the Greens received their highest vote share at the time. She stepped down in 2016.

Co-Leadership Era (2016–2025)

From 2016, the party returned to co-leadership. Caroline Lucas and Jonathan Bartley served together from 2016 to 2018. Siân Berry and Jonathan Bartley followed from 2018 to 2021. Then Carla Denyer and Adrian Ramsay co-led the party from 2021 until 2025, when Polanski won the sole leadership.

How Are Green Party Leaders Elected?

Green Party leaders are elected by party members through internal elections. Candidates must be party members and are voted on by the full membership using a preferential voting system. The last election took place in 2025, with results announced on 2 September. Polanski won a landslide, receiving between 84.6% and 85% of the vote.

2025 Leadership Election

Zack Polanski faced a joint ticket from Adrian Ramsay and Ellie Chowns. Polanski’s victory was seen as a win for the party’s more pragmatic wing. The election also reflected a shift away from co-leadership to a single leader structure.

Who Are the Deputy and Scottish Green Party Leaders?

The deputy leader position has seen several holders in recent years. Amelia Womack served from 2016 to 2022. Zack Polanski himself was deputy from 2022 to 2025. Hannah Spencer took over in 2025, but as noted, no deputy is listed as of 2026.

The Scottish Green Party is a separate organisation from the Green Party of England and Wales. As of the most recent official records, its co-leaders are Patrick Harvie and Lorna Slater. There is no single “British Green Party” unifying all regions; the English and Welsh party operates independently.

Green Party Leaders Timeline (England & Wales)

1. 1990–1992: Jean Lambert & Richard Lawson (co-leaders)
2. 1992–1998: Multiple co-leadership rotations
3. 2008–2010: Caroline Lucas (interim/leader)
4. 2010–2012: Caroline Lucas (solo leader)
5. 2012–2016: Natalie Bennett
6. 2016–2018: Caroline Lucas & Jonathan Bartley (co-leaders)
7. 2018–2021: Siân Berry & Jonathan Bartley (co-leaders)
8. 2021–2025: Carla Denyer & Adrian Ramsay (co-leaders)
9. 2025–present: Zack Polanski (sole leader)

Certainty and Uncertainty Around the Leadership

What Does the Leadership Change Mean for the Green Party?

Zack Polanski’s election as leader marks a shift from the co-leadership model to a single leader, potentially streamlining decision-making. His victory in the 2025 leadership election was seen as a victory for the party’s more pragmatic wing, after a period of factional tension.

Polanski’s background as a London Assembly member and former member of the Liberal Democrats brings broader political experience compared to previous Green leaders who often came from activist backgrounds. The absence of a female or Muslim leader is notable given the party’s diversity rhetoric; however, the party has had female co-leaders and a female deputy.

The party won its first Westminster by-election just six months after Polanski took office, signalling potential electoral momentum. His “eco-populist” messaging aims to attract voters disillusioned with Labour and the Conservatives.

Key Sources and Quotations

“Zack Polanski has led the Greens to their first Westminster by-election victory, just six months after taking over the party.”

BBC News, 2 September 2025

“Voting is now closed. Results will be announced on Tuesday 2nd September.”

Green Party official leadership election page, 2025

“Green representation is increasing at all levels of Government.”

Green Party – Our People page

For further reading, see the Green Party Official – Our People page and the Wikipedia article on the Green Party of England & Wales. The BBC News profile of Zack Polanski offers additional context. The Green Party 2025 Leadership Election page provides official results, and Zack Polanski’s Instagram shares personal updates. An Al Jazeera article covers his rise in detail.

In Summary

The current Green Party leader is Zack Polanski, a British-born, Jewish, openly gay former actor and mental health counsellor who took office in September 2025. He succeeded co-leaders Carla Denyer and Adrian Ramsay, and his election represents a return to single leadership. While the party has a history of female and co-leaders, Polanski is the first Jewish leader of a Westminster party in over a decade. The party’s membership has grown, and its first by-election win suggests increasing influence. For more on UK political figures, see Douglas Murray – Biography, Books, and Controversies Explained.

Frequently Asked Questions