Polanski – whose political ads have used the slogan “let’s make hope normal again” – said “imitation is a form of sincere flattery,” but said that Burnham’s “quake-based” optimism was “an obstacle to policymaking.”
He told POLITICO that the Green agenda — which includes a promised wealth tax, tax controls, and measures to combat climate change — creates a “popular policy platform with the under-50s.”
“By saying we’re not going to out-Green the Greens, what I’m hearing them say is that I’m going to sit on the fence and not please anyone, which sounds like Keir Starmer,” Polanski charged.
Starmer has been heavily critical of Polanski in the run-up to May’s UK local elections, including calling him “soft on Putin” during a Commons debate.
Polanski described the attacks as “poison” while pleading with Burnham for “robust debate” rather than “character assassination.”
But he said the Manchester mayor-turned-PM would be “definitely” easier to work with than Starmer.
“I don’t think he’s a criminal at all,” he added, pointing to progress in talks on issues like Gaza. Burnham apologized last week, saying Labor had “gone wrong” by refusing to more openly criticize Israel’s prosecution of the war in Gaza.
As Starmer ponders his future, there is speculation about whether he will stand down as an MP. Polanski said he would be “very tempted” to stand in Holborn and St Pancras if the seat becomes vacant.
