Scottish Greens co-leader Patrick Harvie steps down after nearly two decades
- Patrick Harvie has been involved with the Scottish Greens since being elected in 2003 and has served nearly 17 years as co-leader.
- He will remain in his role until the party holds a leadership contest in the summer, indicating a transition in the party's leadership dynamics.
- Harvie highlighted the importance of new leadership as the Scottish Greens prepare for the upcoming parliamentary elections.
In a significant development for Scottish politics, Patrick Harvie, the co-leader of the Scottish Greens, has announced that he will step down after nearly 17 years in the role. Harvie, who has served as the party's leader since September 2008 and shared the leadership with Lorna Slater since 2019, made the announcement prior to the party's spring conference scheduled for next week. He expressed his belief that it is the right time for new leadership within the party, stating that he has held his position for a 'ridiculously long time' and that a fresh face is needed. Under Harvie’s leadership, the Scottish Greens made history by entering government through a power-sharing agreement with the Scottish National Party (SNP) in 2021, marking the first instance of a Green party co-leading a government in UK politics. This coalition led to significant reforms in areas such as gender recognition, climate action, and housing policies including rent controls and deposit return schemes. However, the partnership was not without its challenges, as the Bute House Agreement eventually collapsed in 2023, prompting scrutiny and criticism of the government’s commitment to climate goals. The transition in leadership comes at a crucial juncture for the Scottish Greens, who have faced fluctuations in their influence and public perception since their early days in Scottish politics. Harvie emphasized the party's evolution from a perceived fringe group to a major political movement, advocating for sustainable policies and social justice. His tenure included navigating both successes and setbacks, with the latter encompassing critiques of government policies following the dissolution of the coalition. As Harvie prepares the party for a new leadership election in the summer, he plans to continue his role as a Member of the Scottish Parliament (MSP) and seek re-election in the forthcoming parliamentary elections. The upcoming change is expected to reshape the direction of the Scottish Greens as they adapt to new political landscapes and challenges, reinforcing their commitment to their core values of environmental sustainability and social equity.