Green Party elect new Jewish deputy leader Polanski

Green Party of England and Wales members have elected Jewish London Assembly member Zack Polanski to be the party’s new deputy leader.

After the election result was confirmed, Polanski  was revealed to have beaten off the challenge of three rivals in the election to replace outgoing deputy leader Amelia Womack.

“I’m delighted to be the first deputy leader of a major UK political party who is Jewish,” Polanski told Jewish News.

“I ran and will continue to lead on a platform of environmental and social justice. This is also completely aligned with Jewish values which encompass both community and protecting the planet.”

Polanski secured 42 per cent of first preference votes from members, and emerged victorious after two more rounds of counting with 51 per cent of the poll after contenders were eliminated.

Responding to concerns that the Greens had become a party of choice for some of those expelled from Labour over allegations including antisemitism, Polanski told Jewish News:”The Green Party has a clear and well publicised code of conduct for all members and there’s no place for antisemitism in our party.

“I was proud to co-propose with fellow Jewish Green members last year comprehensive Antisemitism guidance.

“This guidance passed overwhelmingly at conference and further underlines our party is an inclusive, progressive space for all.”