Green Party Surges Past Labour in Latest UK Poll

Published: 31 October 2025. The English Chronicle Desk. The English Chronicle Online.

For the first time in modern political polling, the Green Party has overtaken Labour in a national opinion poll, signaling a potential shake-up in the UK’s political landscape. The survey, conducted by Find Out Now, shows the Greens rising to 17 per cent, surpassing Labour, which now stands at 16 per cent, and placing them ahead of the Conservatives, who are also on 16 per cent. Reform UK, led by Nigel Farage, maintains a commanding lead with 32 per cent of voters indicating their preference for the party.

The findings, based on responses from 3,065 adults on 29 October, suggest growing public interest in environmental issues and social reform, particularly among younger voters. The Greens’ surge follows the recent election of Zack Polanski as party leader. Known for his outspoken eco-populist stance, Polanski has energized the party base with bold proposals on taxation, climate policy, and social equity.

Polanski, a former hypnotherapist who first came to public attention with unconventional claims about mental techniques, has quickly become a controversial yet charismatic figure within UK politics. Last month, he secured the leadership after defeating a joint bid by Adrian Ramsay and Ellie Chowns, convincing party members that he could lead the Greens to a more influential position in Parliament.

In response to the poll, Polanski took to social media, celebrating the results while emphasizing the broader mission of his party. “We’re just getting started. Time to lower bills. And tax billionaires,” he wrote, linking to the Green Party’s membership page and encouraging supporters to join the movement. The Greens have seen a dramatic increase in engagement, with their membership surpassing 150,000 this week, indicating a rising level of grassroots enthusiasm.

Political analysts point to several factors behind the Greens’ rapid ascent. The decline of Labour, which has been struggling with internal divisions and low public confidence in Sir Keir Starmer’s leadership, has left an opening for alternative voices. Labour’s performance in recent polls has been particularly poor; an earlier YouGov survey this week saw the party falling to 17 per cent, trailing Reform UK by 10 percentage points and narrowly ahead of the Greens. This erosion of traditional support has created an opportunity for the Greens to capture disaffected voters seeking fresh solutions to economic and social challenges.

Polanski’s platform has resonated with those frustrated by entrenched inequality and the perception that the wealthy wield disproportionate influence. Central to the Greens’ policy agenda is a proposed wealth tax, which would levy 1 per cent annually on assets exceeding £10 million and 2 per cent on assets over £1 billion. Speaking on BBC’s Sunday with Laura Kuenssberg, Polanski framed the measure as a means of addressing systemic inequality rather than funding public services. “Whatever you’re going to create from a wealth tax, it’s ultimately about reducing inequality. This isn’t about creating public investment. We can do that anyway. We don’t need to tax the wealthy to do that. This is ultimately about tackling the deep inequality in our society,” he explained.

Beyond taxation, Polanski has focused on the party’s environmental commitments, presenting a vision of the UK as a global leader in renewable energy and sustainable development. The Greens’ manifesto includes ambitious plans for transitioning to zero-carbon infrastructure, supporting green jobs, and promoting social programs that encourage economic and environmental resilience. Analysts suggest that Polanski’s ability to merge populist messaging with environmental advocacy has allowed the Greens to broaden their appeal beyond traditional left-wing constituencies.

The rise of the Greens also reflects a wider trend across Europe, where younger voters increasingly prioritize climate action and social justice over party loyalty. In the UK, these voters are particularly attracted to the Greens’ combination of progressive economic policies and environmental stewardship. With Polanski at the helm, the party is now positioning itself as a credible alternative not only to Labour but also to other mainstream parties.

The reaction from Labour has been cautious. Starmer’s party is aware that the loss of support to the Greens represents both a challenge and an opportunity. Some strategists argue that Labour must redefine its messaging on environmental and social issues to prevent further erosion of its base. Others suggest that internal party dynamics and perceptions of leadership effectiveness continue to shape voter behaviour, with the Greens benefiting from Labour’s inability to present a unified vision.

Meanwhile, the Conservatives remain competitive, tied with Labour on 16 per cent, despite a slight dip from previous polling. Reform UK’s dominance, led by Farage, continues to capture the attention of voters dissatisfied with the mainstream parties. However, the Greens’ ascendance demonstrates that political allegiances are shifting and that environmental issues are becoming central to electoral decisions.

Commentators note that while the Greens’ current position remains behind Reform UK, the trajectory of their support suggests that the party could become a key player in coalition-building or parliamentary influence, particularly if Labour continues to falter. Polanski’s leadership style—assertive, media-savvy, and outspoken—has played a crucial role in raising the party’s profile and ensuring that its policies receive public attention.

Critics, however, warn that the Greens’ meteoric rise could be precarious. Questions remain about the party’s capacity to translate popularity in opinion polls into sustainable electoral success, particularly in first-past-the-post constituencies where smaller parties often struggle to secure parliamentary representation. Furthermore, Polanski’s past controversies may be used by political opponents to question his credibility and leadership judgment.

Nonetheless, the current momentum positions the Greens as a significant force in UK politics. Their blend of environmental activism, economic reform, and populist messaging appeals to voters seeking change, particularly those disenchanted with traditional party politics. Analysts agree that the upcoming months, including potential local and national elections, will be critical in determining whether the Greens can convert polling success into tangible political power.

As the political landscape evolves, one thing is clear: the Green Party under Zack Polanski is no longer a peripheral player. Its rise in the polls marks a shift in the conversation about the priorities of British voters, emphasizing environmental sustainability, economic fairness, and social equity. For many, this moment represents a fresh chapter in UK politics, where emerging parties can challenge entrenched establishments and inspire new forms of civic engagement.