Zack Polanski’s claim that “the Greens can change the government” is an argument about political pressure between general elections: he says Green victories can push Labour toward policies Greens support. At the Green Party conference in Brighton on 2 October 2026, he pointed to a reported delay in approving new oil and gas drilling at Rosebank and Jackdaw. That example reflects Polanski’s explanation; the report does not independently establish that Green pressure caused the delay.
What Polanski means by “change the government”
Speaking at the conference, Polanski contrasted changing the government at an election with changing its direction between elections. ITV News quoted him: “At general elections, the government changes. But between general elections, we change the Government”. He also urged members: “Vote Green and watch Labour move”.
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
The argument is that electoral gains for the Greens can alter Labour’s political calculations and encourage it to adopt or pursue policies closer to Green priorities, even when Labour remains in office. It is a claim about influence, not a claim that the Greens formally control the government.
Rosebank and Jackdaw: Polanski’s example, not proof of cause
Polanski cited the government’s reported delay in approving new oil and gas drilling at Rosebank and Jackdaw as evidence, in his view, that Green victories had made a difference to Labour’s outlook. ITV News reported his reasoning, but did not independently demonstrate that Green pressure caused the delay. The example should therefore be read as Polanski’s interpretation, not as an established account of why the government delayed approval. (ITV News)
#1 Best Overall
The by-election behind the conference speech
The speech took place during Polanski’s campaign in the Holborn and St Pancras parliamentary by-election. The constituency had previously been held by Keir Starmer. Polanski left the conference after speaking to campaign there; ITV’s report did not give the by-election result. This immediate campaign setting helps explain why the speech connected a vote for the Greens with pressure on Labour.
His proposed three-year brake on private rent increases
Polanski also announced a proposed “emergency brake” on private rents. He said increases would be capped at the lowest of CPI inflation, wage growth or 2%, for three years. He opposed sudden increases and evictions carried out under the guise of rent rises, and described a national fair rents guarantee as the longer-term policy.
In Polanski’s words: “No rent rises above CPI, wage growth or 2% – whichever is lower. No sudden hikes. No evictions under the guise of rent rises. No more uncertainty, no more fear.” These were proposals made in his speech, not rules described as enacted law.
Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problems2Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitches3Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors- Duration: three years for the proposed emergency brake.
- Cap: the lowest of CPI inflation, wage growth or 2%.
- Additional protections: opposition to sudden hikes and evictions presented as a consequence of rent rises.
- Longer-term distinction: Polanski presented a national fair rents guarantee as the policy beyond the temporary brake.
Other issues debated at the conference
The conference report also described debate expected over the weekend on a motion declaring “Zionism is racism”. The report did not establish the eventual decision. Caroline Lucas said she would not support the motion, warning: “I think there is no single definition of Zionism and, irrespective of the intentions of those who put that motion, I think there is a real risk that it will be divisive and could be seen as a sign that Jewish people aren’t welcome in the party.”
Polanski also called for Palestine Action’s proscription to be revoked. These conference issues formed part of the political setting, but they do not independently substantiate his separate claim that Green electoral gains can shift Labour’s decisions.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.What the claim does—and does not—establish
Polanski is making a political case for the Greens’ influence: a stronger electoral challenge, he argues, can encourage Labour to move toward Green policies between general elections. The reported Rosebank and Jackdaw delay is his example, not independent evidence of causation. The rent brake, meanwhile, is a stated proposal whose details can be assessed separately from whether Green pressure changes government policy.
Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
Free tools Windows power users keep installed
One-click scans. No signup required.
