PRE-ORDER #15 The 'I Support You' Issue – Zack Polanski
In British politics, authenticity has become one of the most valuable and least definable qualities a politician can have. The very notion of speaking “like a politician” suggests that too many are relentlessly media-trained; more comfortable on podcast press tours than in conversation with the public they are supposed to represent. Amid countless recent crises and cover-ups – from Epstein files allegations to Met Police misogyny, shameless foreign policy pandering, and mass arrests of pension-age peaceful protestors – several current and former politicians responsible for such scandals have meanwhile become reality TV regulars. It's no longer unusual to see book deals announced like album drops or carefully focus-grouped memes so cringe-inducing, they do more to alienate voters than attract them.
Zack Polanski is not overly concerned with appearing authentic, which is probably why so many people believe he is. @thegreenparty leader and long-time community organiser cares more about representation than reputation, framing politics as a responsibility to people, not a career. A 43-year-old Hackney local, he does not present himself as a polished Westminster operator, nor does he seem particularly interested in becoming one. After all, anyone who arranges a magazine shoot via Instagram DM, rather than through an endless chain of press officer emails and assistants, is probably not trying to be traditional.
At our link in bio, Polanski discusses authenticity in politics, protecting arts funding, and opening up politics to a new generation of candidates.
PHOTOGRAPHY Jamie Salmons
STYLING Baillie Jones
COVER INTERVIEW Madeline Reid
On the cover, Zack wears 'God Save Immigration' t-shirt by MadeULook.
Pre-orders from the BRICKS shop are currently available for customers in the UK, USA, Canada and Australia. If you are based in the EU or elsewhere internationally, copies will be available to order through our international stockist Antenne Books from late April, once the issue arrives back from the printers.
Pre-orders will be shipped by 27th April.
