MSPs Ross Greer and Gillian Mackay have won the election to become the new co-leaders of the Scottish Greens, marking a fresh chapter for the party. The vote, held among party members, comes after Patrick Harvie stepped down after 17 years, and Lorna Slater lost her bid to stay in the role.
Election Details and Turnout
The leadership contest drew attention due to its low participation. Only 12.5 percent of the 950 eligible Scottish Green members cast their votes. This turnout raised questions about member engagement within the party.
Gillian Mackay secured her spot in the first round with 34 percent of the votes. Ross Greer then edged out Lorna Slater in the second round, winning by a slim margin of 317 votes to 304. They also beat challenger Dominic Ashmole, who ran unsuccessfully for the Greens in the 2024 general election.
The election wrapped up on August 29, 2025, with results announced shortly after. Party officials described it as a smooth process, despite the low numbers. Critics pointed out that such low involvement might signal deeper issues, like fatigue after recent political setbacks.
Profiles of the New Leaders
Ross Greer, now 31, brings youth and experience to the role. He made history in 2016 as the youngest MSP ever elected at age 21, representing West Scotland. Greer has built a reputation for strong stances on climate action and social justice.
Gillian Mackay, 33, joined Holyrood in 2021 as MSP for Central Scotland. She led the push for buffer zones around abortion clinics, a law that passed and strengthened protections for patients. Both leaders represent a generational shift, as the party moves away from its longer-serving figures.
Their partnership aims to blend bold ideas with practical governance. Greer often highlights achievements like free bus travel for young people, while Mackay focuses on health and equality issues.
Key Promises on Climate and Cost of Living
The new leaders wasted no time outlining their priorities. They pledged to tackle the climate crisis and the cost of living head-on, calling for policies that address both at once.
In their acceptance speeches, they emphasized higher taxes on the wealthy to fund green initiatives and support for struggling families. This approach ties into broader trends, like the global push for net-zero goals amid rising energy costs.
Here are some of their main commitments:
- Expand free bus travel to ease transport costs and cut emissions.
- Push for a universal basic income to help with living expenses.
- Increase climate spending, building on Scotland’s current 4.7 billion pound budget for nature and environment.
These ideas align with recent events, such as the UK’s debates over oil fields and rent controls. The Greens have influenced policies like emergency rent freezes in the past, and the duo plans to build on that.
Challenges Facing the Party
Low voter turnout in the leadership race points to internal hurdles. Some members boycotted the vote, leading to calls for serious reforms within the party. Greer and Mackay acknowledged this, promising changes to boost engagement.
The Scottish Greens also face external pressures. After ending a power-sharing deal with the SNP in 2024, they must rebuild influence ahead of the 2026 Holyrood elections. Polls show mixed support for their bold tax plans, with some voters worried about economic impacts.
A recent survey from 2025 indicated that 60 percent of Scots prioritize cost of living over climate measures, creating a balancing act for the leaders. They must navigate this while maintaining their core environmental focus.
Impact on Scottish Politics
This leadership change could reshape dynamics at Holyrood. With Greer as the youngest party leader since the parliament’s start in 1999, the Greens signal a fresh, energetic approach. Their focus on wealth redistribution echoes global movements, like those in Europe pushing for green deals.
In comparison, other parties like Labour have faced criticism for weaker climate pledges. The Greens’ 4.7 billion pound climate budget for Scotland’s 5 million people stands out against UK’s broader plans.
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| New Leaders | Ross Greer (31, West Scotland MSP) and Gillian Mackay (33, Central Scotland MSP) |
| Election Turnout | 12.5% of 950 members |
| Key Wins | Mackay: 34% in first round; Greer: 317 votes vs. Slater’s 304 in second round |
| Predecessors | Patrick Harvie (17 years) and Lorna Slater (since 2019) |
| Future Focus | Climate action, cost of living relief, internal party reforms |
This table summarizes the shift and sets the stage for their term. As Scotland gears up for 2026 elections, their leadership will test the party’s ability to influence key issues.
The election of Greer and Mackay brings hope for renewed vigor in the Scottish Greens, but they must address turnout issues and deliver on promises to maintain momentum. Share your thoughts on this leadership change in the comments below, and spread the word if you found this insightful.
