Who is Zack Polanski, the ‘eco-populist’ rattling the UK’s establishment?

Zack Polanski, the leader of the UK's Green Party, is set to challenge the political establishment by contesting the seat currently held by former prime minister Keir Starmer in a special election. Polanski, known for his progressive policies and active social media presence, particularly on TikTok, presents a stark contrast to Starmer, who has been criticized for alienating Labour's left-wing base and being a poor communicator.

This by-election in the central London constituency of Holborn and St. Pancras could serve as a significant test for the Greens and Labour, as it pits the two parties against each other for the first time since Burnham took office. The outcome may indicate whether Britain's left wing has split irreparably, with a potential warning for Burnham if Polanski wins, or a sign that Burnham has successfully retained his voters if he does.

The election also highlights the contentious issues of the war in Gaza and antisemitism, with Labour facing pressure from Muslim voters over its handling of the war and the Greens' controversial motion classifying Zionism as a form of racism. Despite these challenges, Polanski, who describes himself as an "anti-Zionist" and changed his name to honor his Jewish heritage, is viewed by some as the antithesis of the stilted, ineffective nature of mainstream politicians.