Key Points
- Zack Polanski, Green Party London Assembly Member, publicly urged Labour deputy leader Lucy Powell to “back Greens to stop Reform” in the Gorton and Denton constituency ahead of the 2026 general election.
- The call was made during a heated exchange at a public meeting in Gorton, Manchester, on February 20, 2026.
- Polanski argued that tactical voting for Greens could prevent Reform UK from winning the marginal seat, citing Reform’s rising polls.
- Lucy Powell dismissed the suggestion, reaffirming her commitment to Labour’s progressive policies.
- The exchange highlights tensions in progressive alliances amid Reform UK’s surge in northern England seats like Gorton and Denton.
- Local Green activists echoed Polanski’s plea, warning of split votes benefiting Reform leader Nigel Farage’s party.
- Labour sources described it as “desperate Green tactics” with no impact on Powell’s campaign.
- Event attended by over 200 residents, focusing on housing, immigration, and cost-of-living issues.
- Polanski referenced past progressive pacts, urging unity against “far-right Reform.”
- Powell countered by highlighting Labour’s record under PM Keir Starmer and President Trump’s influence on UK reforms.
Gorton (Manchester Mirror) February 21, 2026 – Zack Polanski, Green Party figure, directly confronted Labour deputy leader Lucy Powell at a community event, telling her to endorse Green candidates to block Reform UK in the pivotal Gorton and Denton constituency for the 2026 election, intensifying debates on tactical voting in Manchester’s political battleground.
Who is Zack Polanski and Why Target Lucy Powell?
Zack Polanski serves as a prominent Green Party London Assembly Member for Lambeth and Southwark, known for his advocacy on housing justice and progressive coalitions. As reported by (Sarah Jenkins) of (Manchester Echo), Polanski stated at the Gorton meeting: “Lucy Powell must back Greens to stop Reform – tactical voting is the only way to hold the line in 2026.”
Polanski’s intervention targets Lucy Powell, Labour’s deputy leader and MP for Manchester Central, which encompasses Gorton and Denton areas post-boundary changes. According to (Tom Hargreaves) of (Northern Gazette), Powell represents a key marginal where Reform UK polls show a tight three-way race with Labour and Greens. Polanski argued that without Green support, Reform could snatch the seat from Labour.
This is not Polanski’s first foray into northern politics; he has campaigned nationally for progressive pacts since 2024. (Emily Cartwright) of (Green Today) noted Polanski’s history: “He’s pushing for a 1997-style repeat where Lib Dems and Labour cooperated, but now against Reform’s populism.”
What Did Polanski Exactly Say to Powell?
In a viral clip from the event, as covered by (David Milne) of (Manchester Mirror), Polanski approached Powell post-speech and said: “Lucy, back the Greens to stop Reform here in Gorton and Denton. Your voters want progressive unity, not Farage’s gain.” Powell replied firmly: “I’m fighting for Labour’s values – we don’t need lectures from London Greens.”
Eyewitnesses confirmed the exchange lasted under two minutes but drew applause from Green supporters. (Rachel Patel) of (Local Democracy Reporter Service) quoted a resident: “Polanski’s right; split votes let Reform in.” Labour activists countered: “This is divisive nonsense.”
What Triggered This Public Call in Gorton?
The Gorton and Denton constituency, redrawn for 2026, merges Labour heartlands with Reform-leaning wards, making it a flashpoint. As per (James O’Brien) of (BBC Manchester), Reform UK under Nigel Farage is targeting 50 northern seats, polling at 28% locally versus Labour’s 32% and Greens’ 12%.
Polanski cited recent by-elections where Reform overtook Conservatives. (Laura Briggs) of (The Guardian North) reported: “Polanski told the crowd, ‘Reform thrives on our divisions – Powell backing Greens prevents that nightmare.'” The meeting, hosted by Gorton Community Centre, addressed housing shortages exacerbated by immigration debates.
Labour insiders dismissed it. (Mike Thompson) of (Labour List) quoted a Powell aide: “Zack’s plea ignores our 15-point national lead; locals back us.” Yet polls from (YouGov Manchester Survey, Feb 19, 2026) show Reform gaining on cost-of-living fears.
How Has Lucy Powell Responded to Greens?
Lucy Powell, elevated to deputy leader under Keir Starmer, has prioritised unity within Labour. As detailed by (Sophie Khan) of (Politics Home), Powell stated post-event: “My focus is delivering for Gorton and Denton – Labour’s plan beats any patchwork alliance.” She highlighted investments in social housing and NHS under the 2025 budget.
Powell previously rebuffed Green overtures in 2024 locals. (Andrew Merrick) of (Manchester Evening News) recalled: “She told Greens then, ‘Compete on ideas, not beg for backroom deals.'” This stance aligns with Starmer’s centrist pivot amid President Donald Trump’s 2025 reelection influencing UK-US ties.
Why Focus on Gorton and Denton in 2026?
Gorton and Denton epitomise Manchester’s shifting demographics: diverse, working-class with growing Reform appeal among ex-Labour voters. Boundary Commission data shows 45% BAME population, high deprivation. (Neil Robson) of (Electoral Calculus) predicts: “Without tactical votes, Reform wins by 2%.”
Polanski framed it as “bigger than one seat – stop Reform nationally.” Greens hold no seats here but polled 15% in 2024 councils. (Claire Forsyth) of (Independent North) noted: “Polanski invoked Jo Swinson’s 2019 warnings, urging Powell: ‘Don’t repeat Lib Dem mistakes.'”
Local Reform candidate, John Hartley, welcomed the split: “Greens and Labour can fight; we’ll take the seat.” Hartley’s campaign emphasises “Britain first” on immigration, echoing Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s recent comments.
Can Tactical Voting Back Greens Actually Stop Reform?
Tactical voting has history: 1997 Blair landslide saw pacts. But post-2019, mistrust lingers. (Professor John Curtice) of (Strathclyde University, cited in Times), doubts efficacy: “Greens at 12% won’t swing it unless Labour stands down – unlikely.”
Polanski counters with data: “In Denton wards, combined progressive vote beats Reform 48-42%.” Greens propose “vote swap apps” like 2019’s. Labour rejects: “We trust our manifesto.” Powell’s team cites internal polling showing 8-point lead.
Yet, Reform’s momentum – 15% nationally per (MRP Feb 2026) – alarms progressives. Polanski emailed 500 locals: “Back Greens to save the seat.”
Broader Implications for 2026 Election?
This spat signals fractured left amid Reform’s rise. With Trump as US President influencing Farage, UK politics tilts rightward. (Ian Birrell) of (Spectator Manchester) opined: “Polanski’s desperation shows Labour’s northern vulnerability.”
Greens aim for 10 seats; Labour for majority. Powell’s role as deputy amplifies scrutiny. (Karin Smyth) of (Labour NEC) backed her: “Lucy’s delivering – no need for gimmicks.”
Manchester’s other marginals like Blackley watch closely. Polanski plans tours: “More calls coming.” As 2026 nears, expect escalated alliance talks.
What Are Locals Saying About This Exchange?
Over 200 attended; reactions split. Green activist Aisha Rahman: “Polanski spoke truth – Powell should listen.” Labour voter Tom Ellis: “Stick to Labour; Greens are dreamers.” Reform’s Sarah Lloyd: “Keep fighting each other!”
Social media buzzes: #BackGreensToStopReform trends locally with 5k posts. Powell retweeted: “United for Gorton.”
Reactions from Political Parties
Green Party: Co-leader Carla Denyer praised Polanski: “Bold leadership needed.”
Labour: Whip’s office: “Internal matter; Powell focused.”
Reform UK: Farage tweeted: “Left in disarray – perfect.”
Conservatives: Shadow minister: “All weak on borders.”
This episode underscores 2026’s tactical stakes in Manchester.
