Green leader seeks conference delay

Zack Polanski asked the party's executive committee to postpone its annual conference scheduled for early October so the Greens could focus resources on winning the Holborn and St Pancras byelection on October 8th.

Executive committee votes no

The Greens' ruling executive committee, with about 25 voting members, rejected the postponement request on Thursday. Cancelling at short notice would have cost the party significantly and upset members who booked travel and time off.

Conference timing complicates campaign

The conference in Brighton starts October 2nd with about 3,000 expected attendees, ending just four days before the byelection. Having the party's most active members gathered elsewhere during the final campaign weekend hampers voter canvassing efforts.

Zionism motion adds pressure

A contentious policy motion on Zionism topped members' votes for conference debate. If passed, it would equate Zionism with racism and call for a single Palestinian state, risking discipline for members who support Zionism.

Polanski's delicate position

Polanski, who is Jewish, has not publicly stated his position on the Zionism motion but is understood to support amendments that would soften it. Some Greens worry the motion could alienate Jewish supporters.

Party commits to both events

A Green party spokesperson said the party remains committed to running an ambitious byelection campaign while holding what will be its biggest ever conference, rejecting the idea of postponement.

“The party was exploring different ways of allocating our resources effectively while fighting the Holborn and St Pancras byelection.”