Gillian Mackay and Ross Greer Elected Co-Leaders of Scottish Greens

Gillian Mackay and Ross Greer have been elected as the new co-leaders of the Scottish Greens, succeeding Lorna Slater, who has served as co-leader since 2021. The leadership transition was announced during an event held in Edinburgh on October 7, 2023. This change follows the decision of Patrick Harvie, a prominent figure in the party since 2008, to step down from his leadership role while remaining a Member of the Scottish Parliament (MSP).

In her acceptance speech, Mackay highlighted several key achievements of the Scottish Greens, such as the introduction of free bus travel for individuals under 22, the expansion of free school meals, and the establishment of Safe Access Zones. She emphasized the party’s commitment to further enhancing the quality of life for Scottish citizens. “We need to be clear; the Scottish Greens have delivered real change, and we are the party for you,” she stated, underscoring the ongoing challenges posed by the cost of living crisis.

Mackay, who identifies as a disabled woman and a new mother, expressed her personal understanding of the struggles faced by many families. She committed to championing initiatives such as a four-day workweek, improved parental pay, and the implementation of a universal basic income. “These are policies that will transform lives,” she affirmed.

Ross Greer, who also took on a leadership role, shared his perspective on the current political climate in Scotland. He remarked on a lost sense of hope among the populace, suggesting that disillusionment has grown due to various factors, including the election of Conservative governments and the impacts of Brexit. “The Scottish Green Party will bring back that hope. And we will bring it back through action,” Greer declared.

He proposed initiatives aimed at alleviating financial burdens on citizens, including the introduction of universal free bus travel. Additionally, he called for reforms targeting the wealthiest in society, such as eliminating tax breaks for aristocratic 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,” Greer stated.

The election of Mackay and Greer marks a significant moment for the Scottish Greens as they aim to renew the party’s focus on social equity and environmental sustainability. Their leadership promises to bring fresh perspectives and actionable policies to address the pressing issues facing Scotland today.