Green Party Leadership Under Fire Over Social Media Activity Amid Antisemitism Concerns

Green Party leader Zack Polanski is facing intense scrutiny following reports that his social media activity on the platform Bluesky include...

Green Party leader Zack Polanski is facing intense scrutiny following reports that his social media activity on the platform Bluesky included "likes" on posts containing controversial allegations regarding Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer and his administration.

The incident comes at a sensitive time for the Green Party, which is currently managing a series of internal disciplinary issues. Several candidates for the upcoming local elections on May 7 have been suspended or investigated for making highly offensive remarks, including comparing Jewish people to "cockroaches" and promoting conspiracy theories regarding the October 7 attacks.

Social Media Engagement Under Review

An analysis of Mr. Polanski’s activity on Bluesky—a decentralized social media platform popular with left-leaning users—revealed that his verified account endorsed several posts suggesting the Prime Minister’s policy decisions were influenced by external financial interests.

• November 2025: A post alleging the Cabinet receives "large sums of money" from "Zionist philanthropists" and private healthcare interests was liked by the Green leader.

• April 2026: Mr. Polanski allegedly endorsed a post questioning, "How much does Israel pay [Starmer]?"

• Additional Activity: A third post, since deleted, referred to "Labour Friends of Israel and their paymasters."

Political Fallout

The Labour Party has responded sharply to the reports, with a spokesperson stating that Mr. Polanski has spent weeks "defending the indefensible." The spokesperson added that endorsing such theories demonstrates he is "not fit for high office."

Defending the Green leader’s actions, a party spokesperson focused on the political context of the posts:

"Zack makes no apology for highlighting the close relationship between Israel and the Labour Government... which is a more significant issue than liking social media posts."

Mr. Polanski, who is himself Jewish, has maintained that he is being targeted for his pro-Palestinian stance. He recently recounted experiencing antisemitic abuse during the campaign, including a Nazi salute directed at him during a rally in Hastings. He argues that the "weaponization" of antisemitism for political gain undermines the genuine struggle against prejudice.

National Response to Rising Antisemitism

The controversy coincides with a major government initiative to address religious hatred. On Tuesday, May 5, Sir Keir Starmer is hosting a summit at 10 Downing Street, bringing together leaders from business, policing, education, and the arts.

The Prime Minister is expected to characterize the recent rise in antisemitic incidents—including a violent knife attack in Golders Green last week—as a "test of British values" and a crisis that requires a "whole-of-society" response. The government has committed an additional £25 million to enhance security for Jewish community sites in response to the growing threat level.