Harvie: Green voices are more crucial than ever
Green policies are more urgent than ever, says outgoing Scottish Green Co-leader Patrick Harvie.
Speaking ahead of the announcement of the party’s new Co-leader team on Friday, Patrick has said he will support whoever wins and is confident the party can secure a record number of Green MSPs in 2026.
Patrick, who has been a Green MSP since 2003, was first elected as the Party’s co-convenor in 2008 and as part of its first Co-Leader team in 2019.
In 2021 Patrick became one of the first Green politicians in the UK to have a role in government, alongside his Co-leader Lorna Slater. While in office, Patrick introduced the rent freeze and spearheaded the upcoming Housing Bill which will introduce vital protections and a system of rent controls in Scotland.
Patrick has been selected as the top Green candidate for the Glasgow regional list for 2026.
Patrick said:
“I’m immensely grateful to Scottish Green Party members for giving me the opportunity to lead and represent the Scottish Greens for so long. It’s been a privilege.
“I am stepping down with a lot of fond memories but also a great deal of optimism about the future of our party and our movement.
“When I first began as co-convenor we were a very different party, and it has been humbling and inspiring to have played such a frontline role as we have grown across every part of Scotland.
“At the time I took office it wasn’t just climate deniers and the political right who wrote us off. Lots of people who had sympathy for what we stand for hadn’t yet been persuaded we could make a difference.
“But we got stuck in and we delivered Green change, from higher taxes on the wealthy to ending peak rail fares and establishing free bus travel for young people. It is because of this record that we have firmly established ourselves as a bold and radical force in Scottish politics.
“With a new leadership team taking office on Friday it will be the start of a new chapter for our party. Regardless of who wins, my role will be changing, and I'm looking forward to being a loyal lieutenant for whoever they are.
“The polls look very positive for our prospects to elect a record number of Green MSPs in 2026, and if the party works hard and supports the new leadership team, we can continue to change Scotland for the better.
“Green ideas are more necessary than ever. Our world is on fire, our economic system is broken and the far right are on the rise. Green voices are absolutely vital if we are to protect people and planet, and secure a fairer, greener and better future.”