Polanski's Green rivals say his 'eco-populism' would turn voters off

The Green party risks going into reverse if they elect Zack Polanski as leader, according to his two opponents, who argue that his promised brand of "eco-populism" would prove polarising, divisive and likely to put off more moderate voters.

- Peter Walker

Speaking to the Guardian before the opening of the month-long leadership vote, which begins tomorrow, Adrian Ramsay and Ellie Chowns said the party in England and Wales was at "a crossroads" and could miss the chance to hold the balance of power at the next election.

"I strongly believe that most British people have had enough with populist approaches to politics that seek to simplify everything, that are all about chasing the next set of likes, rather than real substance," said Ramsay, who has co-led the party with Carla Denyer since 2021.

Ramsay, one of four Green MPs elected last year, is standing this time with another of their number, Chowns, after Denyer opted to stand down. The other hopeful is Polanski, the current deputy leader who has promised to shake up a party operation he characterises as over-timid and uninspiring.