A new book, 'The Green Socialist: Zack Polanski and the Battle for Britain’s Future', argues that the Green Party of England and Wales has been 'watermelon' – a term for members who are environmentalists with socialist ideologies – for at least 10 years. Author Russell Warfield, a former party staffer, suggests that leader Zack Polanski's 'eco-populist' approach is not a new direction but the result of a 50-year evolution within the party.
Warfield states that the party's fundamental positions can be traced back to the early 1970s. He highlights that many of Polanski's positions, such as a wealth tax, are established party policy, voted on by members, and that leaders are constitutionally bound to advocate for them.
Since Polanski became leader last year, approximately 160,000 people have joined the party, with most reportedly drawn to this left-leaning political space. However, YouGov polling indicates Polanski’s approval rating has declined, and Green voting intention has dropped from 21% in March to 11% this month.
Polanski is set to contest the Holborn and St Pancras byelection on 8 October, following Keir Starmer's decision to vacate the seat.