GREENS took a decisive step to the left today with the election of Zack Polanski as the party’s leader.

Mr Polanski, a London Assembly member who ran on strong left-wing positions, beat MPs Adrian Ramsay and Ellie Chowns, standing on a joint ticket, by a landslide.

He got 20,411 votes to just 3,705 for Ramsay and Chowns. Left candidates Mothin Ali and Rachel Millward were elected as joint deputy leaders.

Mr Polanski appears open to some form of unity with the new left party being launched by Jeremy Corbyn and Zarah Sultana, in a move which will seriously worsen Labour’s already parlous political prospects.

Some polls have shown that such an alliance could even secure more votes than Labour. At least it could prejudice Keir Starmer’s grip on a large number of seats.

Mr Polanski came out fighting after his election, all but ruling out working with Starmer in a hung parliament.

He said: “In Keir Starmer we’ve seen someone who got elected on the coat-tails of Jeremy Corbyn, who made lots of promises to bring about a left-wing change in this country, to stand up for some of the poorest communities.

“And what we’ve had in Keir Starmer is despicable in terms of the politics. It is someone who has sold those communities out. 

"I’m more concerned about the people that are suffering in this country every day, who see Nigel Farage give a racist press conference [and Starmer] not just not condemn it, but implicitly nod to it.

“So I can’t imagine any scenario where I would want to work with Keir Starmer.”

He also slammed Labour for being “terrified” of taking water into public ownership and called for steel to be nationalised.

“When we look at what this government have been doing, whether it’s the two-child benefit cap, the disability cuts, the genocide in Gaza, my message to Labour is very clear.

“We are not here to be disappointed by you. We’re here to replace you,” he pledged.

Mr Polanski went on to praise Mr Corbyn, in particular over his inquiry into the Gaza genocide. 

“What I see is a politician who is doing strong, principled work that aligns with the things I care about and the party cares about,” he said.

Mr Corbyn reciprocated, welcoming Mr Polanski’s election, saying: “Your campaign took on the rich and powerful, stood up for the dignity of all marginalised communities, and gave people hope.

“I look forward to working with you to create a fairer, kinder world."

Hilary Schan, Chair of We Deserve Better, said:  ”We are heartened by Zack’s support for unity on the left, and his embrace of all those willing to fight Reform and offer a clear alternative to this rotten Labour government.” 

Labour chair Ellie Reeves instead demanded that the new Green leader join Labour in swearing eternal fealty to Nato.

And Zarah Sultana said: "At a time when Labour protects the super-rich and Reform fuels hatred, the real answers lie not in scapegoating but in bold visions of justice, equality and climate action. I look forward to working together."