Zack Polanski: podcast appearances and interviews

Zack Polanski, born David Paulden on 2 November 1982, is a British politician serving as the leader of the Green Party of England and Wales since September 2025. He has been a member of the London Assembly since May 2021 and served as the deputy leader of the Greens from 2022 to 2025. Polanski was born and raised in Salford, Greater Manchester, and studied drama at Aberystwyth University from 2003 to 2006 before attending a drama school in Atlanta, Georgia. His professional background includes work as an actor, school activity provider, and hypnotherapist.

Initially joining the Liberal Democrats in 2015, Polanski ran as a candidate in local elections, including the St Pancras and Somers Town by-election to Camden London Borough Council and the 2016 London Assembly election for the Barnet and Camden constituency. He switched to the Green Party in 2017, standing in various elections such as the Lancaster Gate by-election to Westminster City Council in 2018 and the 2019 general election for the Cities of London and Westminster parliamentary constituency. His political career within the Greens has seen him elected to the London Assembly in 2021, then re-elected in 2024, and appointed deputy leader in 2022.

As party leader, Polanski has overseen significant gains, including a notable by-election victory in 2026 and party membership exceeding 220,000. He led the Greens through the 2026 local elections, delivering their best results in history. Polanski has also expressed plans to run for a parliamentary seat in North London in the next general election and advocates for eco-populist policies such as linking climate issues with high living costs and supporting wealth taxes to reduce inequality.