Zack Polanski, Deputy Leader of the Green Party of England and Wales, spoke to a packed room in Arundel last Monday night, as he addressed many issues dear to local residents, such as road building and inappropriate housing developments. He also spoke passionately about the concern shared by many – and certainly judging by the nodding heads in the room – that people are losing faith in our democratic system, that there was a feeling that “politicians are listening a lot less”; a sense that “decisions are not made in the community’s interest but in the interests of politicians or their vested interests”.
Polanski explained why Greens’ integrity and independence are part of the reason why they’re winning at local elections across the country, and why the Party’s focus on people and planet are inseparable.
“What are we protecting the planet for if we are then going to have injustice, mass inequality and communities that don’t look out for each other?” said Polanski. “You could turn that round on me and say what’s the point of compassion and kindness if the planet is burning, and I agree with you too. We need both of those things.”
Many see the popularity of what might have been seen as a niche talk from a Green Party figure as further proof of the ‘Green Wave’ that is building in traditionally Conservative constituencies. Polanski’s visit to Arun comes after the success of the Greens locally. Greens beat the Conservatives in both 2022 Arun District Council by-elections: Arundel & Walberton ward (December 2022) and Barnham ward (September 2022).
The talk and Q&A at Arundel Museum kick-started Polanski’s West Sussex tour. On Tuesday 14 February, Polanski visited Goring (Worthing) – a key target ward in which the Greens came second in the last elections – where he joined candidate Claire Hunt to talk to local residents. A lunchtime event saw him give a talk in Bramber, Steyning (Horsham) to promote the Horsham campaign.
Polanski has been Deputy Leader of the Green Party of England and Wales since September 2022. He is a London Assembly Member and chairs London’s Environment Committee. Polanski has campaigned for years on Proportional Representation and is working on a Universal Basic Income pilot.