2025 Scottish Greens co-leadership election
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A Scottish Greens co-leadership election will occur in the summer of 2025. Of the incumbent co-leaders, Lorna Slater is seeking re-election, while Patrick Harvie is standing down. Harvie announced his intention to step down as co-leader on 2 April 2025, but said he would remain in the post until the next scheduled election in the summer.[1]
Background
Harvie stood down after 17 years.[2] The new co-leader will help lead the party into the 2026 Scottish Parliament election.[3]
Timetable
| Date(s) | Relevant deadline/period |
|---|---|
| 4 July | Nominations open |
| By end of August | Campaign concluded |
Candidates
Announced
| Candidate | Slogan | Political office | Announced | Campaign website | Source(s) | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Gillian Mackay |
Scottish Greens health spokesperson (2021–present) Member of the Scottish Parliament for Central Scotland (2021–present) |
9 May 2025 | [5] | ||||
Lorna Slater |
Co-leader of the Scottish Greens (2019–present) Minister for Green Skills, Circular Economy and Biodiversity (2021–2024) Member of the Scottish Parliament for Lothian (2021–present) |
2 April 2025 | [6] | ||||
Potential
- Anthony Carroll, Glasgow City councillor.[7]
- Ross Greer, MSP for West Scotland (2016–present).[8][1][9]
Declined
- Ellie Gomersall, former NUS Scotland president and prominent party activist.[7]
References
- ^ a b Cochrane, Angus (2 April 2025). "Patrick Harvie to stand down as Scottish Green co-leader". BBC News. BBC. Retrieved 2 April 2025.
- ^ PA Media (12 April 2025). "Green leadership contest must not descend into 'toxicity', Patrick Harvie warns". STV News. Retrieved 22 April 2025.
- ^ Harvie, Patrick (22 April 2025). "Greens are ready to build on most impactful period in our party's history". Glasgow Times. Retrieved 22 April 2025.
- ^ "Prominent Scottish Greens member suspended amid infighting". The Herald. 1 July 2025. Retrieved 1 July 2025.
- ^ "Gillian Mackay bids to be Scottish Greens co-leader". BBC News. 9 May 2025. Retrieved 10 May 2025.
- ^ "Lorna Slater risks 'reputational damage' to Scottish Greens in co-leadership bid". The Herald. 8 April 2025. Retrieved 10 May 2025.
- ^ a b Sanderson, Daniel; Boothman (28 June 2025). "Civil war at heart of the Green Party after Patrick Harvie's exit". www.thetimes.com. Retrieved 1 July 2025.
- ^ "Ross Greer: I am being encouraged to stand for Scottish Greens leadership". The Herald. 29 May 2025. Retrieved 31 May 2025.
- ^ Wilson, Louise (9 May 2025). "Gillian Mackay to run for Scottish Green co-leader". Holyrood Website. Retrieved 10 May 2025.