Scottish Green Lothian MSP and current party Co-leader, Lorna Slater has officially announced she is running for re-election in the party’s internal election process.
“I am re-standing to bring my years of experience of countering the anti-immigrant, anti-trans, and climate denial rhetoric, to the debates ahead of the Holyrood and local authority elections,” Ms Slater said.
Lorna Slater has been co-leader since 2019 with MSP colleague Patrick Harvie who is stepping down from the role after 17 years. She believes this leadership election is pivotal and will shape the future of the party in the upcoming election years.
She said: “We are on track to win the largest numbers of MSPs and Councillors ever, and with that we can secure the policies and values we believe Scotland deserves.”
Slater’s leadership experience is built on a foundation of tangible achievements. As one of the first Green Government Ministers in the UK, she has led transformative changes including the national upgrade to Scotland’s recycling infrastructure and the creation of the groundbreaking Nature Restoration Fund, which is restoring natural habitats across Scotland.
Ms Slater said: “It was my work in Government that ensured that every organisation in receipt of Scottish Government grants, has to pay the living wage, increasing the wages of thousands of workers.
“My experience as a Minister makes me especially effective, because I know exactly how to press Ministers on their decisions and to follow up when the Government drops a commitment.”
Looking ahead, Lorna Slater notes the issues important to her and the Greens: “In the next term I intend to hold the Scottish Government to account on the cost of living, housing, climate and LGBT+ issues.
“I will continue work to reform Council tax and give Councils more powers, including those to raise funds for infrastructure and tackling the housing emergency.”
Ms Slater concluded: “ It has been my privilege to represent the Scottish Greens in our Parliament since 2021. We can build on our successes and build the Scotland that we want to see.”
Votes open to members on 13th August and will close on 22nd August.
The new co-leader term will start on 1st September.
