Full Breakdown
Defections from Scottish Greens to Your Party Mark a Shift in Glasgow Politics
10/24/2025, 9:22:33 PM
Overview of the Defections
Three councillors from the Scottish Greens—Dan Hutchison, Seonad Hoy, and Leòdhas Massie—have defected to Jeremy Corbyn and Zarah Sultana's newly formed political entity, Your Party. This marks a significant development as these councillors become the first elected representatives of Your Party in Scotland. The defections were announced ahead of a rally in Glasgow, where Sultana is set to speak.
Key Figures Involved
Ellie Gomersall, a prominent activist and former candidate for the Scottish Greens, has also joined Your Party. She was second on the party's regional list for Glasgow ahead of the upcoming Holyrood elections. Gomersall has been vocal about her dissatisfaction with the Scottish Greens' leadership, criticizing their role in budget cuts affecting public services. Dan Hutchison, representing the Govan ward, has similarly expressed frustration with the Greens, stating that their MSPs have failed to act as a left-wing force.
Statements from Defectors
In a statement, Gomersall emphasized the need for a political force that stands against austerity, declaring, "only Your Party can be taken seriously to stand firm against austerity and work to materially improve the lives of the working class." Hutchison echoed this sentiment, criticizing the Scottish Greens for enabling budget cuts and the privatization of public assets. He described the formation of Your Party as a significant step toward left-wing unity.
Official Responses from the Scottish Greens
The Scottish Greens have expressed disappointment over the defections. A spokesperson stated, "We’re disappointed to hear that they have decided to leave our party and Glasgow’s largest group of socialist councillors." They defended their record, highlighting a surge in support, with over 1,200 new members joining in recent months, and reaffirmed their commitment to protecting public services and the environment.
Implications for Glasgow's Political Landscape
The defections are seen as a potential blow to the Scottish Greens, particularly under the new leadership of MSPs Gillian Mackay and Ross Greer. The loss of these councillors reduces the Green group on Glasgow City Council to eight members, maintaining their position as the third largest party behind the SNP and Labour. The move to Your Party reflects a broader discontent with existing political structures and a call for a more grassroots approach to politics.
What's Next for Your Party and the Scottish Greens
As Your Party continues to establish itself, it aims to attract more left-leaning individuals disillusioned with the current political landscape. The Scottish Greens, on the other hand, are focused on consolidating their support and preparing for the upcoming elections, where they hope to capitalize on recent growth and maintain their influence in Glasgow.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Where every single one of the existing Holyrood parties is complicit in passing on brutal cuts to public services, it's clear to me that only Your Party can be taken seriously to stand firm against austerity and work to materially improve the lives of the working class.” — Ellie Gomersall, Former Scottish Greens Candidate
- “I've spent the last 10 years fighting to get the Greens to be the left-wing force they think they are,” — Dan Hutchison, Former Scottish Greens Councillor
- “We're disappointed to hear that they have decided to leave our party and Glasgow's largest group of socialist councillors,” — Scottish Greens Spokesperson
