Zack Polanski falsely claimed to be British Red Cross spokesperson, charity says

Zack Polanski, a Green Party leadership candidate, has been accused of falsely claiming to be a spokesperson for the British Red Cross, according to the charity. The British Red Cross confirmed that Polanski has never held such a role and said it had raised the matter with the Green Party. Polanski’s personal website from 2020 included statements expressing pride in the charity’s work, and he has shared posts about hosting fundraisers for the organization. A Green Party spokesperson did not directly respond to the claims but criticized a recent newspaper cartoon of Polanski as antisemitic. In addition to the British Red Cross controversy, Polanski has faced scrutiny over his claims of full membership in the National Council of Hypnotherapy, which the council disputes. His past work as a hypnotherapist has also come under renewed examination, particularly a 2013 media report where he offered hypnosis to increase a woman’s breast size. Polanski has apologized for the episode, stating it was not a routine service and was done at the journalist’s request. However, a subsequent interview revealed he described the procedure as a “successful project,” suggesting he had tried similar techniques with others. These controversies arise as the Green Party seeks to capitalize on growing support, especially among disillusioned Labour voters in London, ahead of upcoming elections. However, the party has been embroiled in broader tensions related to antisemitism. Two Green candidates in Lambeth were recently arrested on suspicion of stirring up racial hatred online, and former Green leader Caroline Lucas has called for immediate action against candidates involved in antisemitic comments or posts. The party faces ongoing challenges balancing its electoral ambitions with addressing internal divisions and allegations of hate speech.