Green Party Leader Zack Polanski Faces Questions Over Red Cross Claim and Past Credentials

Zack Polanski, leader of the Green Party, has faced scrutiny over aspects of his past claims and professional background, including statements made while fundraising for his 2022 deputy leadership campaign. Among the issues raised is his repeated description of himself as a “spokesperson” for the British Red Cross—an assertion the charity has said is inaccurate.

Polanski, 43, has cultivated a distinctive public image, often highlighting his unconventional path into politics. Before entering public life, he trained as an actor, worked in nightlife promotion, and later practised as a hypnotherapist. Since becoming Green Party leader in September 2025, he has overseen a rise in the party’s polling and secured a by-election victory in Manchester. His direct style and populist messaging have drawn comparisons with prominent figures such as Nigel Farage, although Polanski entered national prominence only recently.

Questions have been raised about claims listed on Polanski’s former website and campaign materials. In 2020, he wrote that he had worked as a spokesperson for the British Red Cross, adding that he was “really proud of the work we do.” He repeated the claim during a crowdfunding campaign for his deputy leadership bid in 2022. However, the British Red Cross has stated that Polanski “has not been a spokesperson” for the organisation. In response, the Green Party clarified that his involvement consisted of hosting and supporting fundraising events rather than holding an official spokesperson role.

A similar issue arose regarding Polanski’s association with the electoral reform campaign Make Votes Matter. While he described himself as a spokesperson for the group, the organisation said he had been a spokesperson for the broader cause of proportional representation but not formally for the organisation itself. The Green Party has described his role as that of a “representative.”

Further discrepancies relate to Polanski’s work as a hypnotherapist. While advertising his services, he used the designation “MNCH,” indicating membership in the National Council of Hypnotherapy, and told clients he adhered to its professional standards. However, although he had been a student member during training, he was never a full member of the organisation.

Polanski’s hypnotherapy career also attracted attention through a 2013 newspaper feature in which he attempted to increase a woman’s breast size using hypnosis. He has since said he did not believe such outcomes were possible and that he was not paid for the attempt. He has also stated that he was misrepresented in the article and that he apologised shortly after its publication. However, comments he made at the time suggested he believed there was at least anecdotal evidence for such results. The founder of the clinic where Polanski worked has said that such treatments were offered there and defended the practice as plausible within certain limits.

Beyond professional claims, aspects of Polanski’s personal circumstances have also been examined. He currently rents a flat with his partner, but in recent years the couple appear to have spent time living on a narrowboat in east London. The boat, recently advertised for sale, was described as their home for three years, although Polanski is said to maintain that he stayed there only occasionally. The arrangement has raised questions about council tax obligations, particularly as he has advocated replacing the current system. The Green Party has declined to comment on the specifics, but Polanski is understood to pay council tax through another residence.

Polanski has also described a broad range of past roles, including work as a teacher, counsellor and trainer in institutions such as schools, universities, mental health services and prisons, including for the Ministry of Justice. These claims have not been directly disputed but contribute to a wider picture of a varied and sometimes loosely defined career history.

Before entering politics, Polanski—born David Paulden in Salford—studied acting at Aberystwyth University and spent time as an exchange student in the United States. He appeared in a student film and was involved in performance work, including singing with the London International Gospel Choir. The choir performed at high-profile events, including appearances in front of senior political figures and on national television. One former choir member has alleged that Polanski behaved inappropriately at a political event by altering song lyrics for humorous effect, though this account has not been independently verified.

Since becoming party leader, Polanski’s public profile has grown significantly, bringing increased scrutiny. His approval ratings have fluctuated, recently declining following controversy over his response to a violent incident in north London. He had shared a social media post criticising police conduct during an arrest, which drew criticism from across the political spectrum. He later apologised, stating that the comment had been made hastily and that social media was not the appropriate forum for such reflections.

Polling suggests that this incident contributed to a notable drop in his approval rating, though he remains a prominent figure within UK politics and continues to outperform some established leaders in public opinion measures.

Overall, the questions surrounding Polanski centre on how aspects of his past experience have been presented, particularly where informal or supportive roles were described in more official terms. While the Green Party has offered clarifications in several cases, the scrutiny reflects the challenges faced by a relatively new national figure whose background is still being examined in detail as his political influence grows.