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BBC Scotland’s political correspondent, David Wallace Lockhart, reports that Scottish Green co-leader Patrick Harvie successfully fended off a challenge to his top candidate position in Glasgow for the 2026 Holyrood election. Despite facing criticism from some “radical” Green members, Harvie secured the top spot in the Glasgow regional list, likely ensuring his re-election to Holyrood. In other regions, most sitting Green MSPs also secured the top positions on the list.
The internal turmoil within the party, described as a “civil war” by insiders, is a result of disagreements regarding the party’s direction. Some party activists have raised concerns about the Green’s time in government with the SNP, criticizing the concentration of power within a small group. Harvie addressed these concerns, stating that the behavior of some party figures had been unacceptable. Harvie, who has served as the party’s co-leader alongside Slater, recently announced his decision not to seek re-election as Green co-leader but will run again as an MSP.
Under the electoral system for Holyrood, parties rank their candidates on the regional list, with higher rankings increasing the likelihood of becoming an MSP. Gillian Mackay, Ross Greer, and Lorna Slater, the three candidates for the party’s co-leadership positions, all secured the top spots in their regions. However, North East MSP Maggie Chapman, ranked second, faces a more challenging path to re-election. The internal party elections also highlighted tensions within the party, particularly regarding Chapman’s controversial statements in the past.
The leadership contest, where one leader must be a woman according to party rules, is expected to be resolved by the end of August. While some activists have expressed disappointment with the party’s performance, the results of the internal elections suggest that members have supported established party figures. This support could have broader implications beyond the Greens, especially given the party’s willingness to form alliances with the SNP. Such alliances may play a crucial role in the upcoming Holyrood election
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