Patrick Harvie to stand down as Scottish Greens co-leader after 17 years
The long-serving MSP has announced he will not seek re-election.
Patrick Harvie is to stand down as co-leader of the Scottish Greens after 17 years.
The long-serving MSP will not seek re-election this summer when party members vote to choose who should lead them into next year’s crunch Holyrood election.
Harvie was first elected as Greens co-convenor in 2008, a role later renamed as co-leader in 2019.
He joined the Scottish Government as a minister in 2021 following the signing of the Bute House Agreement in 2021 with the SNP, and spearheaded the upcoming Housing Bill which will introduce vital protections and a system of rent controls in Scotland.
Harvie will serve out the rest of his term as Co-Leader in the months ahead, will continue to sit as a Scottish Green MSP, and intends to put himself forward for selection by party members for the 2026 election.
The MSP said: “It has been an extraordinary privilege to hold leadership roles in the Scottish Greens, first as Co-Convenor and then as part of our first ever Co-Leader team.
READ MORE: Labour chief’s wife in ‘cronyism’ row over extra Westminster officeREAD MORE: MSP and staffer of powerful MP tipped as Labour contenders in Hamilton by-election
“It has also been humbling to have had the support of party members to serve in these roles, and to work with members around the country to advance Green politics in Scotland.
“At the start of devolution, few people regarded the Greens as a serious political force. But as we have grown, learned and developed we have become the most significant, sustained new movement in Scottish politics for generations. Given the growing urgency of the climate emergency, that movement is greatly needed.
“Green solutions are more necessary than ever, and we have been the only party clearly making the case for the action needed to tackle growing inequality and the climate and nature emergency. Others are happy to set targets, but then actively resist the action needed to meet them.
“I want to thank everyone who has helped the party to grow, and given me the opportunity to play a role. There is far more work ahead of us, especially as we see both UK and Scottish Governments drag their feet on climate action, and too often continue the policies which have made our society less equal.
“The election of Co-Leaders in a pre-election year is an important moment for the party. I won’t be part of the leadership team that fronts up that campaign, but I’m optimistic to see the party choose the people who will do so, and to us building on our record results and delivering the largest possible group of Green MSPs in 2026.”
To sign up to the Daily Record Politics newsletter, click here