Zack Polanski
Zack Polanski | |
|---|---|
.jpg) Polanski in 2022 | |
| Leader of the Green Party of England and Wales | |
| Assumed office 2 September 2025 | |
| Deputy | Mothin Ali Rachel Millward |
| Preceded by | Adrian Ramsay Carla Denyer |
| Deputy Leader of the Green Party of England and Wales | |
| In office 7 September 2022 – 2 September 2025 | |
| Leader | Adrian Ramsay Carla Denyer |
| Preceded by | Amelia Womack |
| Succeeded by | Rachel Millward Mothin Ali |
| Member of the London Assembly for Londonwide | |
| Assumed office 6 May 2021 | |
| Personal details | |
| Born | David Paulden 2 November 1982 Salford, Greater Manchester, England |
| Political party | Green Party of England and Wales (since 2017) |
| Other political affiliations | Liberal Democrats (2015–2017) |
| Domestic partner | Richie Bryan |
| Education | Stockport Grammar School Ridge Danyers College |
| Alma mater | Aberystwyth University (BA) |
Zack Polanski (born David Paulden; 2 November 1982) is a British politician who has been the Leader of the Green Party of England and Wales since September 2025. He has been a member of the London Assembly (AM) since May 2021. Polanski was the Deputy Leader of the Greens from 2022 to 2025. After being elected as party leader, the party saw a massive increase in membership.
Polanski was born on 2 November 1982 in Salford, Greater Manchester, where he also grew up.
Polanski has said his political views are eco-populist. Under his leadership, the Greens have made some improvements, including Hannah Spencer's victory in the 2026 Gorton and Denton by-election.
Polanski said that he wants to run in the next general election in a constituency near his home in North London.
On 3 September 2026, Polanski announced his plans to run in the Holborn and St Pancras by-election after former Prime Minister, Sir Keir Starmer, resigned his seat. He lost the election on 8 October to Labour candidate Sagal Abdi-Wali.
Polanski is Jewish, gay and vegan.