Green Party leader Zack Polanski has issued a direct call for Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer to step down from office, arguing that the ongoing Peter Mandelson scandal has severely undermined public confidence in the political system.
Damaging Trust in Democracy
Speaking to the Press Association while campaigning in Gorton and Denton ahead of the crucial February 26 by-election, Mr Polanski stated that the controversy surrounding Lord Mandelson's appointment as ambassador to the United States represents a profound failure of judgment. "I think the Peter Mandelson scandal actually is bad for democracy in general," he declared. "It erodes trust in politicians. We already know that people deeply mistrust the political system, and this affair reflects on everyone really badly."
A Catastrophic Misjudgment
Mr Polanski emphasized that the Prime Minister's decision was not an isolated error but part of a troubling pattern. "Keir Starmer knew that Peter Mandelson was still friends with a notorious paedophile, was still staying in his house, and he brought him into the heart of government because he knew he could whisper into Donald Trump's ear," he asserted. "That's a catastrophic level of misjudgment. It wasn't just one mistake – with Keir Starmer we've seen misjudgment after misjudgment."
Public Anger on the Streets
During his campaign efforts, Mr Polanski reported encountering widespread dissatisfaction with the current Labour administration. "You only have to walk these streets for a few minutes to hear people's anger with the Labour Government," he observed. "It is time for Keir Starmer to step down. This whole sorry affair demonstrates how broken our political system is, with politicians taking money from private healthcare, oil and gas companies, arms trade firms, and gambling corporations. You don't get that with the Green Party."
By-Election Battle Intensifies
The political landscape in Gorton and Denton is heating up as the by-election approaches. Labour secured the seat with over 50% of the vote in 2024, but both the Green Party and Reform UK are now aggressively targeting it. Deputy Labour leader Lucy Powell has countered that only her party can effectively challenge Reform, warning that a vote for the Greens might inadvertently allow Nigel Farage's candidate to gain entry "in the back door."
Mr Polanski's remarks underscore the deepening tensions within British politics, as ethical concerns and public trust take center stage in the lead-up to the February 26 vote. The Green leader's forceful demand for Starmer's resignation highlights the growing scrutiny on political appointments and their implications for democratic integrity.
