Greens deputy leader cheered as he speaks of being ‘Jewish and gay’
But Zack Polanski revealed some had been questioning why his identity was relevant
Lee Harpin is the Jewish News's political editor
The new deputy leader of the Greens has been loudly cheered at the party’s annual conference after confirming his status as elected ” the first Jewish and gay” person in British history to hold the role.
But Zack Polanski also told delegates gathered for the party’s autumn conference in Harrogate he had been targeted online with questions about why his identity “was relevant.”
After accusing the current Conservative government of “creating phoney culture wars”, the London Assembly member said: “they only have one tactic – to scapegoat.”
He told the conference: “When I was elected as deputy leader I talked about being the first Jewish and gay deputy leader in history….. ”
Applause then rang out in the hall. Polanski then revealed that online people had contacting him asking “why is that important?”
He said this was a “fair question.”
But he added: “I think there’s an even fairer answer. Representation is important. Diversity is important.
“Not just for me to advocate for my communities, although I’ll certainly do that to.”
Polanski said he now wanted to use his platform to connect with those who “do not have a voice.”
He also drew loud applause when he defended trans people saying “there is no LGB without the T.”
Polanski added: “History has horrifically demonstrated we need to stick together, and conference, we will stick together.”
Green Party of England and Wales members elected Polanski as their new deputy in a result confirmed last month.
Responding at the time 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.”
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