Zack Polanski

Zack Polanski
Polanski in 2022
Leader of the Green Party of England and Wales
Assumed office
2 September 2025
DeputyMothin Ali
Rachel Millward
Preceded byAdrian Ramsay
Carla Denyer
Deputy Leader of the Green Party of England and Wales
In office
7 September 2022 – 2 September 2025
LeaderAdrian Ramsay
Carla Denyer
Preceded byAmelia Womack
Succeeded byRachel Millward
Mothin Ali
Member of the London Assembly
for Londonwide
Assumed office
6 May 2021
Personal details
BornDavid Paulden
(1982-11-02) 2 November 1982
Salford, Greater Manchester, England
PartyGreen Party of England and Wales (since 2017)
Other political
affiliations
Liberal Democrats
(2015–2017)
Domestic partnerRichie Bryan
Alma materAberystwyth University (BA)
Websitezackpolanski.com
backzack.com

Zack Polanski (born David Paulden; 2 November 1982) is a British politician who has been the Leader of the Green Party of England and Wales since September 2025, succeeding the joint leadership of Carla Denyer and Adrian Ramsay, and a member of the London Assembly (AM) since May 2021. Before being elected leader, Polanski was previously the Deputy Leader of the Greens from 2022 to 2025.

Polanski describes his political views as "eco-populist", linking issues such as high costs of living with climate change, and supporting a wealth tax in an effort to reduce wealth inequality. During his leadership, the Greens have made significant gains, including Hannah Spencer's victory in the 2026 Gorton and Denton by-election, shortly after which the party membership exceeded 200,000a threefold increase since the start of his term.

Polanski has discussed his intention to run for MP in a seat in North London in the next general election.