Polanski calls for changes to Green Party decision-making

Green Party leader Zack Polanski called on October 11 for changes to the party’s democratic procedures following a dispute over a conference motion declaring Zionism to be racism.

Writing in The Guardian, he argued for broader participation by members alongside greater responsibility for leaders in setting the party’s strategic direction. His remarks outline a proposed approach, rather than an adopted change to party rules.

Members approved the motion at their annual conference on October 4. It also backed Palestinian liberation, the right of return, the Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions campaign and a complete arms embargo against Israel.

Polanski said he had missed the vote because he was concentrating on the Holborn and St Pancras parliamentary by-election. He acknowledged that some members felt disappointed by his absence.

Labour won the seat on October 9. Following his defeat, Polanski said he would remain party leader. The motion drew criticism from Jewish groups, other parties and most Green MPs.