Tag: leadership elections

Gillian Mackay and Ross Greer elected Co-leaders of Scottish Greens

ELECTIONS HERALD A ‘NEW ERA’

Scottish Green Party members have elected Gillian Mackay and Ross Greer as their new Co-leaders, following a closely fought contest.

In her acceptance speech Gillian Mackay hailed the vital work that Scottish Green MSPs have done and promised to go further.

Gillian Mackay said: “From free bus travel for people under 22, increasing the roll out of free school meals, restoring Scotland’s natural environment, the introduction of Ssafe Access Zones, and the scrapping of peak rail fares, the Scottish Greens have already started improving the lives of millions – But we can and will go further.

“We need to be clear; the Scottish Greens have delivered real change, and we are the party for you. For many, the cost-of-living crisis is still taking its toll, but the focus from our governments and our media continues to distract from the real issues facing working-people.  

“As a disabled woman and a new mum, I am getting to know some of the struggles that so many families are facing. That’s why I will champion a four-day week, better parental pay, and universal basic income. These are policies that will transform lives.”

In his speech, Ross Greer promised to bring back the hope that many have lost following years of cuts and chaos from Westminster. He said: “About a decade ago there was a real sense of hope in Scotland. People really believed that this could be that better, fairer, greener country. But that sense of hope has all but disappeared, and we should be honest about that.

“Whether it is through the re-election of Tory governments that we didn’t vote for or a Labour government that looks like another one of those Tory governments, Brexit or even Trump.

“The Scottish Green Party will bring back that hope. And we will bring it back through action. We will cut people’s bills and tackle the climate crisis. That’s why I have proposed ideas during this contest like universal free bus travel.

“We shouldn’t be afraid to make the super-rich pay for the transformation that we know our society needs. For example by ending the tax breaks that the aristocracy get for their shooting estates.

“Fixing Scotland’s problems means replacing a system that is rigged in favour of the super-rich with one that works for people and planet.”

Candidate1st Preferences
Dominic Ashmole7%
Gillian Mackay34%
Lorna Slater28%
Ross Greer31%

Gillian MacKay was elected at Stage 1. 

At stage 2 Dominic Ashmole was then excluded and votes transferred to the remaining candidates.

Ross Greer was elected at stage 3.

Lorna Slater launches leadership re-election campaign

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.