Zack Polanski, the leader of the Green Party, has admitted that he did not vote in last week's local elections, despite earlier claims that he had voted by post. Polanski was campaigning in Wales on polling day, but his spokesman had indicated that he cast a postal vote in Hackney the day before. He even told the London borough's mayoral candidate in an online post: 'You have my vote.'
Admission of Not Registering to Vote
Following questions about the surprising move, Polanski admitted to The Times that he had not registered to vote in the elections because he feared for his safety. This comes after he previously admitted that he had not paid council tax during the three years he lived on a houseboat. He is believed to have moved to rented accommodation earlier this year but appears not to have registered to vote at his new address.
Unusual for a Party Leader
Polanski faced questions about whether he had voted because it is highly unusual for a party leader not to be pictured voting on election day, usually in a place where they are expected to do well. He publicly pledged his support to Zoe Garbett, the Green candidate who went on to become Hackney mayor, telling her 'you have my vote' in a campaign video released on May 3.
A spokesman told the paper: 'One consequence of the heightened intrusion and safety risk he faces was that Zack did not register to vote in the most recent local elections.' The party said he had faced 'extreme and distressing press intrusion' since becoming leader, including 'antisemitic cartoons' and journalists 'doorstepping family members'. It said he was now in discussions with police and local authorities about registering anonymously.
Anonymous Registration Possibility
In fact, any resident can request to have their name withheld from the accessible electoral register, so they would not be able to be found unless their address was known. An unredacted version is still available but is not searchable in the same way.
Series of Untruths
Polanski's admission is the latest in a series of episodes in which he has had to admit he has not told the truth. He previously denied that a houseboat had been his main residence for three years before later admitting it. He said he was now seeking 'clarity' over whether council tax was owed. He also falsely claimed that he worked at the Ministry of Justice while campaigning for elected office. This comes after he gave an interview in which he claimed he could use the power of his mind to increase women's breast sizes.
Conservative Criticism
Kevin Hollinrake, Chairman of the Conservative Party, said: 'Even Zack Polanski can't bring himself to vote for the Green Party. This is a bizarre failure and adds to a long list of half truths and blatant lies from Zack Polanski.'
