Our biggest ever Council campaign, with a record 219 candidates aiming to put power in people's hands
The Scottish Greens today (29 March) confirmed their biggest ever Council campaign, with a record 219 candidates aiming to put power in people's hands.
With today's deadline for nominating candidates passed, the Greens are confident of building on existing councillor numbers in Edinburgh, Glasgow, Aberdeenshire, Midlothian and Stirling, and making breakthroughs in most other local authorities.
A recent poll by Ipsos MORI showed the party making significant gains, with eight percent of first preference votes, ahead of the Liberal Democrats and four times the support received in 2012 when Greens fielded 80 candidates and secured fourteen councillors.
In the council elections, voters elect three or four councillors for their ward by ranking candidates 1, 2, 3 and so on.
Green candidates are pledging that if elected they will use their influence to put power in the hands of local communities and protect local services.
Yvonne McLellan, Co-convener of the Scottish Greens' elections and campaigns committee and candidate for Kilwinning in North Ayrshire, said:
"Our councils need more Green voices, speaking up for strong public services. Our record number of candidates are all dedicated local campaigners and are determined to put power in the hands of local people.
"Our Green colleagues in Parliament demonstrated their commitment to protecting local services, by securing an extra £160million from the Scottish Government for councils to spend on local priorities. Other parties sat on their hands. The Greens’ bold and constructive approach is clearly proving popular with voters, and it's a much-needed attitude our councillors will bring to council chambers."
List of candidates and their wards
Ipsos poll showing Greens ahead of Libdems on first preferences