Zack Polanski, the insurgent candidate with a radical new "eco-populist" agenda for the Greens, has swept to victory in the party's leadership race. The vegan London Assembly member - who was born in Salford and went to Stockport Grammar but 'got kicked out' - overwhelmingly beat joint candidates Adrian Ramsay and Ellie Chowns, despite the two MPs' head start in terms of profile in the party.

The 42-year-old has been praised by allies as a strong communicator who has energised the grassroots, while Mr Ramsay and Ms Chowns accused him of using "polarising" language that only appeals to a "narrow segment" of the electorate. Having worked as an actor and a hypnotherapist, Mr Polanski had an unusual path into politics.

Born in Salford as David Paulden, he changed his name at 18 to differ

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