**Recent internal party tensions and a high-profile by-election defeat have intensified scrutiny of Zack Polanski’s leadership of the Green Party of England and Wales.** Polanski, elected leader in September 2025, faced sharp criticism after missing a divisive October 2026 party conference vote on a motion declaring Zionism a form of racism; he cited campaign commitments in the Holborn and St Pancras by-election. The Greens placed second on 8 October with 33% of the vote against Labour’s 45%, prompting public calls for his resignation from figures including Jewish Greens chair Vivien Lichtenstein and comments from former leader Caroline Lucas on leadership shortcomings. Polanski has rejected stepping down, stating the next leadership election—scheduled for summer 2027—will decide his future, while party rules require substantial member petitions or council votes to trigger an earlier challenge. These events have shifted trader focus toward near-term stability versus longer-term member sentiment.