SCOTTISH GREENS THANK VOTERS, LOOK TO HOLYROOD 2016
Scottish Greens today (8 May) thanked voters for supporting them in the 31 Westminster constituencies where the party stood, and say it gives them a great platform to build on for next year's Holyrood election.
Scottish Green Party membership has surged to almost 9,000 and, for the first time, candidates stood in the majority of Scotland's 59 seats. The party campaigned for a £10 minimum wage, public services in public hands and more power for local communities.
The Scottish Greens are congratulating Caroline Lucas of the Green Party of England and Wales for being re-elected in Brighton with an increased majority.
In Scotland notable results include Glasgow North where Martin Bartos secured 6.2 per cent of the vote, and Edinburgh East where Peter McColl secured 6 per cent.
Polling for next year's Scottish Parliament election has consistently put the Greens on between 10 and 12 per cent, suggesting they could gain seats in every region of Scotland.
Patrick Harvie MSP, Scottish Greens co-convener, said:
"This election has shown that Scots are tired of the same old UK politics and want change. The unfair Westminster voting system was always going to squeeze smaller parties but our strong team of candidates and campaigners in communities around Scotland have made significant progress in building local awareness of our track record and our ambitions.
"The fact that so many people can vote Green but still end up with just one MP elected is just one sign that we need to reform the voting system. Poll after poll shows that people are drawn to our ideas to tackle poverty, climate change and corporate greed and that when people vote for policies, we come out a clear favourite. Caroline Lucas will continue to be the clearest and most compelling voice at Westminster for a greener, fairer and more humane society.
"Scottish Green campaign teams will be looking forward to mounting our biggest ever campaign, for Holyrood next year. Public polling is consistent and we intend to convert those numbers into a sizeable team of MSPs so the Green Surge transforms Scotland's parliament."