# Labour Aren't Incompetent - They're Doing What They're Paid To Do | Interview With Zack Polanski Source: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rtPojDOwptQ Recap page: https://rapidrecap.app/video/rtPojDOwptQ Generated: 2026-02-12T10:37:36.47+00:00 --- ## Quick Overview Zack Polanski asserts that the Labour Party is not incompetent but is successfully executing its mandate, which he frames as serving corporate interests like oil and gas, arms trade, private healthcare, and gambling companies, rather than the public, making the Green Party's role crucial in the Gorton and Denton by-election to provide a tangible alternative against Reform UK. **Key Points:** - Polanski views the by-election as a crucial turning point against 14 years of Tory austerity, noting Labour was elected on a message of change that has not materialized, pivoting instead to an anti-Reform message. - He argues that Labour's unpopular decisions make sense only when viewed through the lens of them being "politicians who have been bought and paid for by oil and gas, arms trade companies, private healthcare companies, and gambling companies." - Internal polling and bookmakers suggest the by-election is tightening between the Green Party and Reform UK, with Labour genuinely not gaining traction on the doorstep. - The Green Party's candidate, Hannah Spencer, a plumber training to be a plasterer, represents the kind of working-class beacon of hope needed against political division. - Polanski finds the Peter Mandelson scandal depressing for politics generally, reinforcing public mistrust, but notes that Labour's decision to appoint him shows a "catastrophic error of misjudgment" given his history. - Polanski dismisses speculation that he should stand as a candidate in the by-election, stating his role is to empower and platform diverse voices like Hannah Spencer, not step in as a London-based politician. - He believes the electorate understands Labour's closeness to corporate interests, citing Keir Starmer meeting with BlackRock and appointing Mandelson despite past scandals. **Context:** Zack Polanski, leader of the Green Party, is interviewed regarding the significance of an upcoming by-election in Gorton and Denton, where the Green Party is positioned as a direct challenger to a deeply unpopular Labour Party and the rising threat of Reform UK. The discussion centers on Labour's perceived failure to deliver change after 14 years of Tory austerity, the internal controversies surrounding Labour figures like Peter Mandelson, and the Green Party's strategy to present a genuine alternative. ## Detailed Analysis Zack Polanski argues that the Labour Party's actions, which appear baffling if their goal is popularity, become logical when understood as fulfilling obligations to their financial backers, specifically naming oil and gas, arms trade, private healthcare, and gambling companies; he states they are "doing exactly what they've been paid to do." This context frames the Gorton and Denton by-election as a battle for the nation's soul, where the Green Party must demonstrate they are the true alternative to Reform UK, as Labour's anti-Reform message is insufficient. Polanski highlights that internal data and bookmakers predict a close race between the Greens and Reform, with Labour struggling on the ground. He strongly endorses the Green candidate, Hannah Spencer, emphasizing her working-class background as a plumber/plasterer, contrasting her authenticity with the established political class. Regarding the Peter Mandelson controversy, Polanski feels it is damaging for all politics by reinforcing cynicism, but views Starmer's appointment of Mandelson as proof of Labour's alignment with corporate interests and catastrophic misjudgment. Finally, Polanski firmly rejects the idea that he should stand in the by-election, affirming his commitment to platforming new voices like Spencer, whose candidacy he sees as perfectly designed to counter the rise of Reform. ### By-Election Significance - The election is framed as a major turning point following 14 years of Tory austerity - Labour's message of change has failed, pivoting to merely being 'not Reform' - The contest is seen as being between the Green Party and Reform UK. ### Critique of Labour's Motivation - Labour's decisions align with serving corporate backers (oil/gas, arms trade, private healthcare, gambling) rather than the public - Their unpopularity is expected because their primary objective is serving these paid interests. ### The Mandelson Scandal Impact - The scandal reinforces existing public mistrust of politicians, making everyone seem part of an exclusive club - Starmer's judgment in appointing Mandelson is called catastrophic, showing closeness to corporate interests like BlackRock. ### Green Party Strategy and Candidate - The Green Party must demonstrate they are the alternative to Reform, not just an anti-Reform vote - Candidate Hannah Spencer, a plumber/plasterer, is highlighted as a beacon of hope and the ideal counter to right-wing talking heads. ### Polanski's Personal Role - Polanski rejects standing as a candidate, emphasizing his role is to empower and platform diverse voices like Spencer, contrasting this with the Labour Party's perceived opportunism. ### Electoral Data Points - Reform UK's internal polling shows the race is between the Green Party and Reform - Ground canvassing shows Labour is "genuinely aren't coming up" with voters.