Green Party Co-Leader Zack Polanski Missed Local Elections, Citing Security and Address Changes
Green Party co-leader Zack Polanski did not participate in last week's London local elections. A party spokesperson stated he "fell short of time" to amend his address on the electoral register after relocating as a lodger when alternative housing plans collapsed. This contradicts a video from 3 May, where Polanski assured Hackney mayoral candidate Zoë Garbett, "you have my vote".
Initially, a party spokesperson suggested Polanski might have used a postal vote in Hackney, given he was campaigning in Wales on polling day. This was later dismissed as a "miscommunication".
The party cited "heightened intrusion and safety risk" and "antisemitic and homophobic abuse" directed at Polanski as factors, noting two arrests related to this harassment. These security concerns, along with the "extra process" for anonymous voter registration, ultimately prevented Polanski from registering to vote.
This revelation follows earlier admissions from the Green Party that Polanski may have failed to pay council tax while residing on a houseboat in an east London marina. Experts confirm that residents using a boat as their primary home are liable for council tax. An advertisement for the boat's sale, placed by Polanski's partner, described it as "our amazing home... for three years".
Responding to inquiries, a party spokesperson stated: "Until relatively recently, Zack was living on a houseboat, which came with its own unique practical circumstances and considerations." The party also claimed Polanski maintained a room at a separate London address, where council tax was paid, and only stayed on the boat "occasionally".
Polanski told broadcasters he presumed council tax was included in his monthly mooring fees. He added, "It's still not clear if I owe council tax or not. I've been in touch with the council." He committed to paying any due amount, irrespective of official findings.
Waltham Forest Council, under which the marina falls and where Polanski was last registered to vote, is currently assessing the "complex factors unique to moorings" and seeking legal advice.