A significant increase in membership is creating new challenges for the Green party. "Our local group grew from 400 to over 1,000," one member noted. "We had reserved spaces for 50 people, but many were unable to attend. Now, we need larger venues."
The Greens have steadily gained influence, but since Zack Polanski assumed leadership in England and Wales nearly seven weeks ago, growth has accelerated.
Membership figures highlight this shift best. After Polanski’s decisive victory over the more experienced candidates Adrian Ramsay and Ellie Chowns, numbers surged from 70,000 to over 140,000, surpassing the Liberal Democrats and later the Conservatives.
Polling trends, while less striking, also show progress, with one survey placing the Greens at 15%.
Polanski secured nearly 85% of member votes, but some senior figures initially questioned whether his openly radical approach might fragment the party’s diverse support base. While that remains uncertain, even skeptics acknowledge his impact.
"He’s performing strongly," said a senior member who supported Ramsay and Chowns. "Some views—like on NATO—may be unnecessary, but his energy is undeniable. Rural areas pose a challenge, but the numbers speak for themselves."
Polanski pledged to reinvigorate the party and draw attention, departing from the more restrained style of previous leaders Ramsay and Carla Denyer.
Results are evident. Within days of taking office, he conducted 61 interviews, maintaining a relentless pace. "He’s been constantly visible," remarked a party official. "His communication has been forceful and clear."
This includes a popular podcast and widely shared grassroots videos, like *Let’s Make Hope Normal Again*, viewed 11 million times on X. Activists credit this outreach with amplifying their broader platform, particularly Polanski’s advocacy for wealth taxes.
Read next
Badenoch returns to Conservative conference, markedly stronger than a year ago
A year ago, Tory MPs feared a fresh leadership revolt against Kemi Badenoch as Tories hit historic 14-16% support; November, after 12 months, was hushed: decisive challenge month. Yet, despite poor polls, “Keminisation” saw her impose style and authority.
More in Common’s Luke Tryl, director, said Badenoch holds
UK sanctions plan on illegal Israeli settlements faces criticism from US, Israel and British MPs
Today, with the agreement of Prime Minister Netanyahu, Israeli officials announced a series of countermeasures in response to new sanctions declared by the British foreign secretary of the Labour government, following a sequence of anti-Israel decisions by the same administration.
The accusations leveled today by the Labour foreign secretary,
UK announces trade ban on Israeli settlements as tougher stance
Ed Miliband will announce a broad reset of the UK’s relations with Israel on Tuesday, pledging a more active stance in support of the Palestinian cause. In an intervention drawing fierce criticism from the US and Israel, the foreign secretary will impose a ban on trade in goods and