The Green Party has returned a donation from its leader, Zack Polanski, after electoral authorities determined the contribution violated campaign finance rules. Data from the Electoral Commission indicates that Polanski made a donation of £1,539.45 in September 2025, shortly after assuming leadership of the party.

However, the donation was deemed impermissible because Polanski was not listed on the electoral register at the time of the contribution. Under UK electoral law, only individuals registered to vote can make donations to political parties. The Electoral Commission requires such impermissible donations to be returned within 30 days of receipt.

The Green Party reported the donation to the Electoral Commission in October 2025 but did not return the funds until June 10, 2026, according to official data. This delay has raised questions about the party’s compliance with electoral regulations.

A spokesperson for the Green Party explained that Polanski was absent from the electoral register due to personal security concerns. The party said that once the issue was identified, the donation was promptly returned in accordance with legal requirements.

Polanski’s leadership began in the weeks prior to the donation, and the incident highlights the complexities that can arise in political finance compliance. The Green Party and the Electoral Commission maintain that the matter has been resolved, with no further enforcement actions reported.