Full Breakdown
New Leadership for the Scottish Greens: Ross Greer and Gillian Mackay Elected Co-Leaders
8/30/2025, 12:33:45 AM
Leadership Transition in the Scottish Greens
Ross Greer and Gillian Mackay have been elected as the new co-leaders of the Scottish Greens, succeeding Patrick Harvie and Lorna Slater. Harvie, who served as co-leader since 2008, announced his decision to step down earlier this year, while Slater was defeated in the leadership contest. The election results were announced during an event at the Scottish Poetry Library, with a turnout of only 12.7% of the party's membership, amounting to 950 votes cast.
Election Details and Results
The leadership election featured four candidates: Ross Greer, Gillian Mackay, Lorna Slater, and Dominic Ashmole. Mackay won in the first round with 34% of the votes, while Greer edged out Slater in the second round, receiving 317 votes to her 304. Ashmole, who received only 7% of the votes, was eliminated early in the process. This election marks a significant generational shift within the party, as Greer, at 31, becomes the youngest leader in Holyrood history.
Background and Context
The leadership change comes amid internal tensions within the Scottish Greens, described by some as a "civil war." Discontent has been brewing among party members regarding the cooperation with the Scottish National Party (SNP) during the Bute House Agreement, which allowed the Greens to hold ministerial positions. Critics within the party have expressed concerns over compromises made on key issues, leading to a growing divide between the party's grassroots and its elected officials.
Official Statements & Responses
In her acceptance speech, Gillian Mackay emphasized the need for the party to address the struggles faced by families, pledging to champion policies such as a four-day workweek, better parental pay, and universal basic income. Ross Greer echoed her sentiments, stating, "The Scottish Green Party will bring back that hope... We shouldn’t be afraid to make the super-rich pay for the transformation that we know our society needs."
Patrick Harvie, in his farewell remarks, urged party members to support the new leadership, highlighting the importance of Green voices in Scottish politics amidst rising challenges such as climate change and economic inequality.
Criticism & Opposition
The low turnout in the leadership election has raised concerns among party members, with both Greer and Mackay acknowledging the need for internal reform to engage more members in future elections. Critics, including Scottish Conservative MSP Annie Wells, have dismissed the new leadership as a continuation of the party's previous direction, labeling them as "extremists" out of touch with mainstream Scottish views.
What's Next for the Scottish Greens?
As Greer and Mackay prepare to lead the party into the next Holyrood election, they face the challenge of uniting the party and addressing internal divisions. Both leaders have indicated a willingness to explore future collaborations, particularly with the SNP, while expressing skepticism about potential alliances with Labour. The upcoming election will be crucial for the Scottish Greens as they aim to build on their previous successes and navigate the evolving political landscape in Scotland.
