An Ipsos survey conducted between October 9 and 13 found that public favorability for Green Party leader Zack Polanski has reached its lowest point. The poll shows that 52 percent of the public now holds an unfavorable view of Mr. Polanski, a six-point increase since September. Only 16 percent of respondents reported a positive view, resulting in a net favorability rating of minus 36.
The decline follows a Green Party conference in Brighton where members passed a motion describing Zionism as a form of racism. Mr. Polanski did not participate in the vote, but the decision has led to internal and external criticism of his leadership. Additionally, the poll was conducted shortly after Mr. Polanski was defeated in a by-election for the Holborn and St Pancras constituency.
Data from the survey indicates a shift in support among key demographics. Among voters under the age of 35, Mr. Polanski’s net favorability score fell from plus 16 in April to plus two in October. Similarly, among those who voted for the Labour Party in 2024, his standing dropped from a net score of plus seven in April to minus 24 in October. While opposition remains highest among older demographics, the findings suggest a loss of support among groups that previously viewed him more favorably.
The dispute over the "Zionism is racism" motion has also affected the party's internal stability and its external alliances. Vivien Lichtenstein, the leader of the Jewish Greens, has called for Mr. Polanski’s resignation and stated she is considering leaving the party. Furthermore, the Labour Party has issued an ultimatum to local Green groups in shared coalitions, stating they must disown the motion or lose Labour's support. This development could alter how local governments are managed in districts where the two parties currently work together.
The polling also places Mr. Polanski’s standing in the context of other national figures, where his minus 36 rating is currently the lowest among national party leaders. By comparison, Nigel Farage of Reform UK holds a minus 31 rating, while Prime Minister Andy Burnham remains the only senior politician with a positive net score at plus eight. Keiran Pedley of Ipsos noted that Green voters are now nearly as positive toward Burnham as they are toward their own leader. Future developments will likely depend on how the Green Party responds to the Labour Party's ultimatum and internal calls for leadership changes.