Green Party leadership vote pits eco-populist Zack Polanski against incumbent tandem

The Green Party of England and Wales is set to announce its new leader after a fierce contest that could define its ideological direction amid ideological tensions and electoral ambitions.

The Green Party of England and Wales is poised to announce its new leadership on Tuesday following a fiercely contested election that will significantly influence the party’s trajectory in the coming years. The contest pits Zack Polanski, a London Assembly member and the party’s deputy leader, against the incumbent co-leadership ticket of Adrian Ramsay, MP for Waveney Valley, and Ellie Chowns, MP for North Herefordshire. This leadership battle comes at a crucial juncture for the Greens, who are striving to consolidate their recent electoral gains—having increased their representation to four MPs in the last general election—and establish themselves as a serious progressive alternative to Labour.

Throughout the campaign, Polanski has positioned himself as an advocate for a bold “eco-populist” agenda, tapping into public anger towards major polluters and the wealthy elite. Emphasising a leftwing populist approach, he seeks to attract disillusioned Labour voters by promoting policies such as wealth redistribution and stronger environmental protections. Polanski has notably highlighted the divide between “the 99% versus the 1%,” aligning himself with those outside corporate and billionaire interests. He has also expressed concerns about potential fragmentation of the progressive left, urging figures like Jeremy Corbyn to avoid launching new parties that could split votes. Polanski’s campaign enjoys significant support from within the Green councillor base, with over 100 councillors across diverse UK constituencies endorsing his leadership bid, signalling a grassroots desire for his vision.

In contrast, the Ramsay-Chowns joint ticket is campaigning on a platform centred around continuity and broadening the party’s appeal beyond niche eco-message voters. They argue for a more inclusive approach aimed at consolidating the party’s recent progress and avoiding divisive rhetoric. Ramsay and Chowns have accused Polanski of using polarising language that risks alienating potential supporters, although specific examples have not been provided. The co-leaders presently hold parliamentary seats, which former Green leader Caroline Lucas suggests gives them a degree of authority and legitimacy in guiding the party’s future.

The election, delayed from 2024 to avoid clashing with the general election, carries added significance as it reflects deeper ideological tensions within the Green Party. Political analysts observe that the party is navigating a delicate balance between preserving its core environmentalist principles and embracing a broader leftwing identity that can challenge both the Labour Party’s drift to the right and emerging leftist forces. While Ramsay and Chowns remain cautious about alliances that might dilute the Greens’ distinctiveness, Polanski’s approach seeks to capitalise on growing frustrations with mainstream politicians by adopting an explicitly left-leaning, confrontational style.

Adding further context, the candidates also engaged in discussions with the LGBTIQA+ Greens on intersectional commitments, with all pledging to intertwine the fight for social justice with the climate crisis. This highlights the party’s ongoing focus on inclusivity and recognising the interconnectedness of environmental and human rights issues.

As the Green Party prepares to reveal its leadership, the outcome is expected to shape its strategic priorities and electoral positioning. Whether the party embraces Polanski’s bold eco-populism or maintains the steady course proposed by Ramsay and Chowns, the decision will resonate beyond the Greens, influencing the broader landscape of progressive politics in the United Kingdom.

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Source: Noah Wire Services

Noah Fact Check Pro

The draft above was created using the information available at the time the story first
emerged. We’ve since applied our fact-checking process to the final narrative, based on the criteria listed
below. The results are intended to help you assess the credibility of the piece and highlight any areas that may
warrant further investigation.

Freshness check

Score:
10

Notes:
The narrative is current, published on 2 September 2025, reporting on the imminent announcement of the Green Party’s new leadership following a recent election. The election concluded on 30 August 2025, with results to be announced on 2 September 2025.

Quotes check

Score:
9

Notes:
The direct quotes attributed to Zack Polanski and his opponents are consistent with previous reports. For instance, Polanski’s statement, “If you’re not Shell or a billionaire, I’m on your side,” aligns with his earlier campaign rhetoric. No significant variations in wording were found, suggesting the quotes are accurately reproduced.

Source reliability

Score:
8

Notes:
The narrative originates from The Irish News, a reputable news outlet. However, it heavily references and quotes from other established sources, such as the Financial Times and The Guardian, indicating a reliance on secondary reporting.

Plausability check

Score:
9

Notes:
The claims regarding the Green Party’s leadership election and the positions of the candidates are plausible and consistent with known facts. The election was indeed postponed from 2024 to avoid clashing with the general election, and Carla Denyer announced she would not seek re-election as co-leader in May 2025. ([theguardian.com](https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2025/may/08/carla-denyer-says-she-will-not-stand-again-as-greens-co-leader-to-focus-on-mp-role?utm_source=openai)) The narrative’s tone and language are appropriate for the subject matter and region.

Overall assessment

Verdict (FAIL, OPEN, PASS): PASS

Confidence (LOW, MEDIUM, HIGH): HIGH

Summary:
The narrative is current and accurately reflects the recent developments in the Green Party’s leadership election. It effectively synthesises information from multiple reputable sources, providing a comprehensive overview of the candidates and their positions. No significant issues were identified regarding freshness, quotes, source reliability, or plausibility.