Green Party Leader Warns of Growing Hate Ahead of Clacton By-election

At the Local Government Association conference in Bournemouth, Green Party leader Zack Polanski warned that British society was experiencing “escalating hatred and division.” He described the nation as “taking backward steps” and highlighted a surge in online abuse that followed recent Pride celebrations. Polanski framed the warning as a call for local councils to restore public trust and empower communities.

The Independent

The by-election in the Clacton constituency follows the resignation of former Conservative MP Sir Charles Walker. Reform UK leader Nigel Farage announced he would contest the seat, urging voters to “stick two fingers up to the establishment.” The Green Party, along with other Westminster parties, confirmed they will not field candidates. A satirical candidate, Count Binface, has emerged as Farage’s principal rival according to early reports.

The Independent

Polanski emphasized that many citizens feel politics is imposed on them rather than conducted with them. He argued that local councils “play a huge, crucial part in reactivating your communities, in giving people power and a say in what happens in your local areas.” While acknowledging that councils alone cannot eradicate homophobia, racism, or hate crime, he asserted that devolving power to residents is essential for rebuilding trust in elected officials.

The Independent

Farage, addressing the same audience, positioned his candidacy as a direct challenge to the political establishment. He framed the contest as an opportunity for voters to express dissent, stating his intention to “fight the by-election” and give constituents a chance to demonstrate opposition to mainstream parties.

The Independent

• “I do believe that people feel like politics is being done to them rather than with them – and actually councils play a huge, crucial part in reactivating your communities, in giving people power and a say in what happens in your local areas.” — Zack Polanski, Green Party leader

The Independent

• “I don’t believe that singlehandedly will tackle homophobia, racism or indeed any hate crime.” — Zack Polanski

The Independent

• “But I do strongly believe that returning power back into people’s hands is a huge part of the role we should all be playing as elected public servants – and it’s how we rebuild trust again.” — Zack Polanski

The Independent

• “taking backward steps.” — Zack Polanski

The Independent

• “Insisting he had done nothing wrong, the Reform UK leader said he would be fighting the by-election, giving voters a chance to “stick two fingers up to the establishment”.” — Nigel Farage, Reform UK leader

The Independent