Green Party Reviews Decision-Making as Membership Triples Under Polanski

Senior Greens are discussing ways to revamp the party’s structures to make them more effective and representative as membership has surged. Since Zack Polanski became leader of the party in England and Wales last September, membership has grown from about 68,000 to more than 230,000. Under the current direct-democracy model, policy is decided only by members who attend one of two annual conferences in person. Some Greens believe this system risks empowering organised fringe activists who can afford the travel and time off.

Several options are being considered. One possibility is for local parties to nominate delegates to speak and vote on behalf of members. Another is to retain one-member-one-vote but allow online participation. “There is a conversation that the party has changed a lot, and the structures haven’t changed with it,” one Green official said. “In-person voting means it involves only those who can afford a hotel and time off work – it’s self-selecting.” Another party figure noted growing acceptance that the system needs change: “When 0.05% of members make policy decisions, things need to change.”

A controversial motion from the spring conference, which sought to commit the party to the view that “Zionism is racism”, was delayed due to procedural issues but could return in autumn. Officials also highlight resource constraints – conference logistics have been handled by a single person for about 20 years, only now gaining a team.

The leadership model is also under scrutiny. The leader has very limited powers, with just one vote among roughly two dozen executive committee members. Some argue this lacks flexibility even for a leader like Polanski, who won nearly 85% of the membership vote. “There must be a balance between conference-set policies and giving the leader trust and leeway, with accountability,” said one senior figure. Others counter that Polanski already interprets core values in media appearances.

Polanski’s focus on broadcasting the party’s message rather than internal improvements has drawn criticism. Meanwhile, after winning the Gorton and Denton by-election and with hopes for the Greater Manchester mayoralty, the party must decide how to position itself against Prime Minister Andy Burnham. “We have to think how to remain distinctive,” a party figure said. “We have done well as a more personable, hopeful option to Starmer’s left, but that role might now be filled by Burnham.”