Glasgow Greens unveil Laura Vroomen as candidate for Southside Central by-election
Laura Vroomen will contest the Southside Central by-election for the Scottish Greens next month, the party has announced.
The Scottish Greens are standing in both upcoming Glasgow by-elections.
Laura Vroomen will contest the Southside Central by-election for the Scottish Greens next month, the party has announced.
The Glasgow Green Party will stand candidates in both wards going to the polls, giving voters in Southside Central and North East the chance to back candidates who will put the people and planet first.
Greens in Glasgow will be looking to build on their record results in July’s General Election, and to follow on in their history-making campaign in Hillhead earlier this year - the party’s first by-election win ever.
The Southside Central by-election on March 20 will see Laura Vroomen contest the seat, with the party hoping to add to Cllr Seonad Hoy’s victory in Hllhead last year.
Originally from the Netherlands, Laura moved to Govanhill in 2023 having lived in London. She previously stood as a candidate for the Green Party of England and Wales at local council level.
A keen photographer and professional translator, Laura is already an established part of the local community, despite only moving to the city in the past two years. As well as being a key part of the record-breaking Green result in Glasgow South at the 2024 General Election, Laura is involved with the local community magazine in Govanhill, Govanhill Baths, her local parkrun, and contributes to local clean-ups and litter-picks.
Joining Laura will be Hayley McDonald, who will run in North East ward on the same day.
East End native Hayley McDonald is running for the Glasgow Greens in the area for a second time, having contested the seat in the original by-election in November. Having attended the local St. Andrew's Secondary, Hayley is rooted in Glasgow’s working class communities - something which drives her work to reform the fashion industry, ending the environmental destruction it causes and the exploitation of garment workers.
Laura Vroomen, Glasgow Greens candidate for Southside Central, said:
“I’m delighted to have been selected to represent the Greens in Southside Central. When I moved to Govanhill I received a very warm welcome and plenty of opportunities to become involved in my local community. That is something I wish for all residents, whatever their background.
“With its great mix of cultures and beautiful green spaces, the Southside has so much to offer, and I’m convinced that by working together we can address challenges such as litter in the streets and poor housing conditions.
“If elected, I look forward to working with and on behalf of the people of Southside Central to make this a neighbourhood we can all be proud of and where we all feel at home."
Elaine Gallagher, Glasgow Greens councillor for Southside Central, added:
“I am delighted to support Laura, she is an active member of the local community and will be a great addition to the Green voice on the council.
“She will be able to support strides we have made in getting funds for local works such as re-lining parking controls, repairing street lighting, drainage and pedestrian pavements, and additional CCTV to deter fly tipping.”