Zack Polankski’s missteps: From breast size comments to Met police row

Politics
7 May 2026 • 2:14 AM MYT
The Independent
The Independent

The world’s most free-thinking newspaper

Zack Polankski’s missteps: From breast size comments to Met police row

  • Zack Polanski’s popularity ratings have taken a major hit following a row with the chief of the Metropolitan Police over a post he shared about the Golders Green stabbings, with his “net approval” falling 14 points.
  • Mr Polanski has faced scrutiny for past comments suggesting hypnotherapy could increase breast size, a claim he initially apologised for but later appeared to double down on in a resurfaced interview.
  • He admitted to misrepresenting himself as a spokesperson for the British Red Cross during his campaign for deputy leader in 2022, stating he "used the wrong word".
  • Mr Polanski apologised after sharing an "inaccurate" social media post criticising the Metropolitan Police's handling of the Golders Green stabbings, which drew condemnation from Commissioner Sir Mark Rowley.
  • He also incorrectly claimed in a BBC interview that the Golders Green terror suspect was handcuffed while being apprehended, despite video evidence showing otherwise.

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