Why Zack Polanski is Just Perfect for the Holborn By-Election

 

The Green Party UK leader, Zack Polanski, has declared his interest in being a candidate for the parliamentary seat being vacated by former prime minister, Sir Keir Starmer, and I am over the moon at the news. 

I have never been a political person. I have tended to leave political parties alone though I've felt it an absolute duty to vote. Many women suffered to get that vote, so I bear that in mind when I am tended to be cynical and not exercise mine. But being a fully paid up member of a political party has never appealed to me - until recently. Zack and the Green Party changed all that virtually overnight!

Since he began to lead the Green Party, I have watched its dramatic rise and impact with fascination and awe; at the sheer possibilities that could lie ahead under his passionate, energetic leadership. I believe that after the debacle of the empty, scandal-ridden Tory years, the need for radical change is now. That need couldn't be greater, and it is blowing on a wind of hope towards us, which gives an exciting feeling of anticipation in the air. Andy Burnham might be the new star for Labour, but it is still the old approach and policies under a new branding. 

Through my membership and support of the Green Party, I wanted to show the effect Zack Polanski, a virtual unknown to me, has already had on people like me (a woman and a minority member) who had lost faith in British politics. An effect that emphasises history in the making: changing perceptions, changing the direction and focus of the UK, and believing in the impossible.

Words of support are always easy to say, and many people no doubt will tag on to the Green Party when success is assured. But it takes somsteadfast believers at the very beginning, when things look distinctively hazy and unreal, to be part of the dream; to be part of the incredible hope of changing the status quo against all odds; to reach out and affect many other disenchanted people over the next few weeks and months, and to actually DO something to help them. It takes faith, belief, courage, persistence and patience to start at the beginning, and Zack's supporters now need those in abundance to help inspire, motivate and encourage him all the way to 10 Downing Street. 

That is why I am so thrilled that he's decided to stand in the Holborn & St Pancras by-election in London. He is not fazed by the seat being a Labour stronghold. He is determined to have it. Already I can feel the excitement building up, the momentum, the interest and also the apprehension. Being a smaller party going against the established path, there are so many What ifs? But with such an eloquent, reasonable, empathetic leader, how can the Green Party go wrong? He is proving to be a formidable opponent.

The sheer audacity, and simplicity, of his "hate not hope" message, at a time when it seems easier to hate and blame each other, has captivated me completely. I have never had such great interest in a party before. I normally just applaud the winner and wait to see what happens; if anything ever changes. But Zack's motivation, belief and commitment in what he is doing and what is possible, is too much of an extraordinary happening to ignore or take for granted. I have certainly been moved and inspired to be part of this wave of hope. 

Southwark Green Party members 

I support Zack Polanski wholeheartedly, because I have no doubt that he can deliver that change Britain desperately needs now, especially in new thinking aroubd resolving social issues. The other parties are about the stale, tested and failed policies of the past. Nothing new there. Zack wants a different perspective, a different approach, exactly what the country needs: a new visionary, with decisive and compassionate leadership. He is a man of integrity, understanding, unity, care and, above all - at least for me - sincerity strength of purpose, the perfect attributes for a powerful leader. 

Zack says what he feels without the need to score political points, which gives him a great authentic foundation to build on. He doesn't speak like a polished politician, just going through the motions, but like the guy next door who wants things to be better and is prepared to put himself out to do something about it, rather than just whinge and complain. Yes, he is not perfect by any means, and I don't agree with all the party's policies, but I feel that he understands my dreams and aspirations, my joys and frustration, and where I'm coming from.

There are many people who are not as vocal or active, but who are quietly hopeful and confident that Zack will deliver those votes to win that Holborn seat as the springboard to bringing a new dawn to our diverse community, and this is a fantastic opportunity being presented at a crucial time.

One will never know what he can achieve until he is installed into a position of influence and power. But we only have to look at what he has achieved so far, the way he has almost singlehandedly galvanised people behind him and propelled the Green Party to the forefront of British politics, and the powerful effect of his simple message of hope and inclusivity, to see the exciting potential he represents.