UK Green Party leader calls for more authority after conference vote on Zionism

Zack Polanski, leader of the United Kingdom's Green Party, has called for changes to the party's internal democratic structures that would give the leader greater control over strategic direction. His appeal came in an article published in The Guardian on Sunday, following a contentious vote at the party's annual conference on October 4, where members passed a motion declaring that Zionism is racism.

Polanski also lost out in a by-election for a parliamentary seat amid the fallout from the Israel-related row. The Labour Party won the contest for the seat vacated by former leader Keir Starmer in Holborn and St Pancras on Friday, holding off a strong challenge from the Green Party in what was seen as a boost for British Prime Minister Andy Burnham.

In his article, Polanski argued that the party's internal processes needed to evolve, suggesting wider member engagement, more decision-making power for leaders over strategic direction, and more robust and accessible procedures overall. He said unity within the party should ultimately be used to pursue positive change for the country.

Polanski also addressed criticism over his absence from the vote on the Zionism motion, explaining that he had been focused on campaigning in the by-election, which he described as a hugely important contest for the party, and that he had devoted all his efforts to the Holborn and St Pancras race instead.