The State Of It

Zack Polanski on the brink

October 9, 2026
Zack Polanski on the brink

Zack Polanski's defeat in the Holborn & St Pancras by-election puts him in a tough position. The Green leader lost the by-election by 3,300 votes to Sagal Abdi-Wali, the Labour candidate. He's also facing criticism after the Green Party voted to declare that Zionism is racism. Polanski did not vote and has been accused of failing to show leadership. How tenable is his position now?


Plus, parliament is back next week and the real business of government gets going. We look at what's in store and how the chancellor, John Healey, is preparing for a very, very difficult budget.


Steven Swinford, political editor, The Times

Lara Spirit, deputy political editor, The Sunday Times

Patrick Maguire, chief political commentator, The Times


Producer: Harry Kitson

Executive producer: Molly Guinness


Picture: Getty Images


00:00 - By-Election Result: Labour Wins Holborn & St Pancras

00:36 - Is Zack Polanski’s Leadership in Trouble?

01:56 - Green Party Rifts & The Palestine Motion Controversy

07:34 - Is This the Beginning of the End for Polanski?

11:06 - Andy Burnham’s Electoral Boost & Labour’s Position

11:44 - Parliament Returns: Navigating the Autumn Budget

13:18 - John Healey, Treasury Trips, and Bank of England Warnings

16:39 - Defence Spending vs Public Services Dilemma

20:39 - Welfare Reviews, Jackdaw Gas Field & Election Speculation

This podcast was brought to you thanks to subscribers of The Times and The Sunday Times. To enjoy unlimited digital access to all our journalism subscribe here.


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