Green Party activists are increasingly concerned that their leader, Zack Polanski, may face defeat in tomorrow’s by-election for the Holborn and St. Pancras constituency, following a significant controversy surrounding anti-Semitism within the party, reports BritPanorama.
Members have expressed alarm over internal divisions highlighted by WhatsApp exchanges revealing tensions after the recent Green Party conference in Brighton. The party, which currently holds five seats in Parliament, is grappling with rifts between its environmental foundations and a growing faction focused on hard-left single issues, particularly regarding Palestine.
Polanski’s candidacy is under scrutiny, especially after he abstained from a crucial vote on a motion declaring Zionism a form of racism, a decision that elicited significant backlash from both opposition MPs and commentators. Critics argue that Polanski’s refusal to articulate a definitive stance on the controversial measure reflects a lack of leadership.
During the conference, members passed a motion supporting a “single democratic Palestinian state in all of historic Palestine,” which has drawn accusations of undermining Israel’s legitimacy. Attempts to introduce an amendment protecting Jewish members whose synagogues align with Zionism were unsuccessful.
The fallout from this motion has seen Jewish members of the party increasingly distancing themselves. Vivien Lichtenstein, chair of the Jewish Greens, indicated she might leave the party, while Kieran Dams has already resigned. Others have paused their support for Polanski ahead of the crucial by-election.
Amidst these developments, local campaigners were reportedly advised to avoid discussions about the contentious motion while canvassing, underscoring attempts to mitigate the negative impact of the controversy on the campaign.
The Green Party’s own polling data shows a competitive race, with Labour leading by a slim margin, yet bookmakers project a 94% likelihood of a Labour victory. The party’s recent surge in membership, driven partly by an influx of activists with a pro-Palestinian agenda, now poses challenges as these new members exert influence over policy direction, as evidenced by the recent vote.
Insiders note an “unpleasant” atmosphere at the conference, particularly directed toward figures opposing the motion, further illustrating the contentious climate surrounding Green Party politics. The party’s broader struggles around anti-Semitism and leadership credibility leave Polanski grappling with how to unify a disparate membership while appealing to voters.
Looking ahead, Polanski’s campaign must navigate significant hurdles to present a cohesive message on its new policy stance without alienating key demographics, particularly Jewish members, while also addressing the concerns expressed by his parliamentary colleagues.
A spokesperson for the Green Party reiterated their commitment to Polanski as the best candidate for Holborn and St. Pancras, highlighting his focus on pressing local issues such as housing and the cost of living.
The internal strife reveals deeper ideological divides within the party that could foreshadow future challenges, raising questions about its direction and cohesion in the lead-up to the by-election.
In sum, the Green Party is at a critical juncture as it grapples with its identity, policy positions, and the impending electoral test that could redefine the leadership trajectory of a party at a transformative moment.
