Green Party leader Zack Polanski has admitted that he did not vote in the recent local elections, despite earlier claims that he cast a postal vote.
An aide to Mr Polanski had previously suggested the leader cast a postal ballot in Hackney for the Green Party’s mayoral candidate Zoe Garbett.
However, the party has now backtracked on that claim and said it was a miscommunication after inquiries by The Times.
It has now been revealed that the politician was “unable to vote” due to being in the process of moving house and increased security concerns due to “antisemitic and homophobic abuse”.
“Zack was unable to vote. He was in the process of moving and when that fell through, he moved in as a lodger in rented accommodation,” a spokesperson for the Green Party told The Independent on Thursday.
“He fell short of time to register at a new place, especially given the extra process he would need to go through to register anonymously. Zack has recently had increased security concerns after being the target of antisemitic and homophobic abuse.”
Mr Polanski is now in discussions with his local authority to register anonymously, an option normally open to public figures such as politicians. He is also in talks with the Metropolitan Police to review his security arrangements.
However, a Labour MP remained unconvinced and told The Times: “Many MPs and their families register anonymously. It’s fairly easy to just get a form signed by the police. Same for domestic violence victims and certain council workers. So this is not a legitimate excuse.”
Local elections took place on 7 May but Mr Polanski was not in the capital at the time and was instead on the campaign trail in Wales.
The Green Party has enjoyed unprecedented popularity under his leadership, gaining 587 seats, five councils, and its first ever elected mayors in Hackney and Lewisham.
The latest admin controversy comes amid recent reports that Mr Polanski did not pay the correct council tax amount while living on a houseboat in London.
A spokesperson for the Green Party characterised the situation as an “unintentional mistake” and said he had “immediately taken steps” to settle any outstanding tax.
“Until relatively recently, Zack was living on a houseboat, which came with its own unique practical circumstances and considerations,” they said.
“He has immediately taken steps to pay any council tax he may be found to owe. Zack apologises sincerely for the unintentional mistake.”
