Your say / green party
‘In this digital era of poor mental health and political apathy, Zack’s demonstrated he knows how to reach people’
Her party’s backsliding aside, Thangam Debbonaire was a dedicated constituency MP, and this was evident on doorsteps during the general election campaign. People appreciated her commitment to the area, arts, and public service.
For a while, the streets of Bristol Central thronged with canvassers like me, hoping to convince people to vote for Carla Denyer’s progressive advocacy over what would unfortunately be just another Labour centrist. From countless days spent door-knocking to unwavering genuine engagement with communities, many things played a part in Carla’s monumental election, but her devotion to activism showed voters she was ready to give it her all.
Ever since, Carla has tirelessly voiced the concerns of her constituents, on the national stage afforded to our co-leaders. Her decision to not re-run for the leadership is understandable as this opens the door for fresh voices and allows her to solidify her steadfastness to Bristol Central.
is needed now More than ever
Harry campaigned for the election of now Bristol Central MP Carla Denyer prior to the elections in July 2024
Another thing evident from door-knocking in Bristol Central was that people are abandoning the traditional two parties, as payback for cuts and the cost-of-living crisis.
Hell, the only way my partner and I could afford our first flat was help from my family and Help-to-Buy. Reform UK have exploited desperation and frustration with the system through simple messaging that pits the ‘ordinary person’ against the ‘lefty bureaucrats’ of Labour. Then, when faced with opportunities to improve their constituents’ lives, they vote in the interest of their billionaire mates.
If they can’t vote for Labour’s watered-down Employment Rights Bill that would ban zero-hour contracts and guarantee sick pay from day one, I find it hard to believe they’d support maximum working temperatures or disaster leave and pay. Whether they like it or not, these things will be needed when targets of 1.5 degrees warming are not met.
Farage’s own constituency of Clacton is not exactly well-placed to consider climate denialism with its low-lying coastline of poorly connected and energy-inefficient housing.
With simple strong messaging, we can ensure every voter, even Farage’s constituents, know it doesn’t have to be this hard to survive, let alone thrive in our society. For me, eco-populism is exactly that: when the economic and social benefits of climate action are marketed to an electorate in an accessible and inclusive way.
Harry believes that Zack Polanski gets the “nuance of the many question that plague our society”
No one is more equipped to deliver this message than Zack. Unlike other candidates, he is a London-wide member of the London Assembly and so is dedicated to the cause, not saving a seat during Parliament prayers. He grew up in Salford, studied in Aberystwyth, and changed his name back to Zack Polanski to turn shame surrounding his Jewish identity into pride. Simply, he has a wealth of life experience which informs his people-centred approach to politics and makes him an extremely approachable human being.
He gets the nuance of many questions that plague our society; from the north-south divide to our involvement in the genocide of the Palestinian people in Gaza. Importantly though, in this digital era of poor mental health and political apathy, he’s demonstrated he knows how to reach people with videos that cut through and virtual engagements that ensure people don’t need the self-confidence to stand up and ask a question, just type it out for him to answer.
His campaign has set the right tone for what would be a hugely important mandate focused on the fight against Reform’s hatred and Labour’s cuts.
Unleashing the Green Party’s political potential with a charismatically progressive leader, not yet tied to Westminster’s timetable, is surely the way forward for the left. Join by 31st July and vote for bold leadership with Zack Polanski.
This opinion piece is a personal endorsement of Zack Polanski for Leader of the Green Party by Harry Simpson, co-chair of Bristol’s Young Greens branch. This is not, however, an endorsement from any Young Greens or Green Party branch.
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All photos: Harry Simpson
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