Vivien Lichtenstein, leader of the Jewish Greens, has formally called for Zack Polanski to resign from his position as leader of the Green party of England and Wales. This demand comes amidst escalating internal pressure following a recent party conference vote that adopted a policy equating Zionism with racism and advocating for the dissolution of the state of Israel in favor of a single Palestinian state.
The controversy intensified after it was revealed that Polanski was absent during the weekend debate and vote on the motion, opting instead to campaign in the Holborn and St Pancras byelection, where he ultimately finished in second place behind Labour. Former Green leader and the party’s first MP, Caroline Lucas, has publicly criticized Polanski for this lack of leadership, noting that his absence contributed to the motion's passage.
Lichtenstein, who has expressed that she is considering leaving the party due to the adoption of the policy, criticized Polanski’s handling of the situation. Speaking to Times Radio, she argued that even while campaigning, Polanski had the option to vote online and should have done so to oppose the motion. She further questioned Polanski’s claims regarding his collaboration with Jewish members of the party, stating, “I don’t know which Jewish members of the party he’s been working with. It certainly hasn’t been with the Jewish Greens committee.”
In interviews following the byelection, Polanski maintained that he would have voted against the motion had he been present. He also noted his support for two amendments, including a proposal for a two-state solution, both of which were rejected by the party members. However, Lichtenstein remained firm in her assessment, describing the motion as “dangerous” and “divisive” and reiterating her belief that Polanski should step down.
Former co-leader Jonathan Bartley also weighed in, characterizing the outcome of the vote as a “failure of leadership” and suggesting that the party currently faces a degree of “toxicity.” While Caroline Lucas stopped short of explicitly calling for his resignation, she emphasized that the “jury is out” on whether Polanski can demonstrate the necessary leadership moving forward. Although there is no formal mechanism to remove the party leader, Polanski, who assumed the role in September 2025, faces re-election by party members in less than a year.
Asked if Polansksi should stand down, Lucas did not definitively say he should remain as leader: “I think let’s just see what happens in the … coming days and weeks.
“Obviously he has been completely taken up with this byelection. I want him to speak now about what’s happened. I want him to show the leadership that was frankly missing on Sunday. I think the jury is out about whether or not he will do that, but I very much hope he will. But that is a long way from full-throated support.”
