The Scottish Green Party has achieved a historic milestone by winning its first two constituency seats in the Scottish Parliament, prompting newly elected MSPs to declare that voting Green is no longer a 'wasted vote'. Lorna Slater secured victory in Edinburgh Central, defeating SNP minister Angus Robertson, while Holly Bruce triumphed in Glasgow Southside, a seat previously held by former First Minister Nicola Sturgeon.
Historic Breakthrough
Speaking after her win, Ms Slater emphasised the significance of the achievement, stating: 'This is a big step for the Scottish Green Party, credit to the hard work of everybody here. And to decades of work by our MSPs and councillors. Today is a fantastic day.' The party now hopes to secure its largest group of MSPs when full regional ballot results are announced later on Friday.
Ms Bruce, who battled equalities minister Kaukab Stewart in Glasgow Southside, echoed the sentiment, telling journalists: 'I think it's a big turning point that voting Green isn't a wasted vote any more on the constituency ballot. We mean business.'
Palestine Issue and Campaign Impact
When asked about the influence of her SNP opponent's meeting with an Israeli ambassador, Ms Slater noted that the issue of Palestine resonated strongly with Edinburgh Central's young student population. 'Who we talk to and what we say does matter. I think that the Greens' solidarity with Palestine has made a difference,' she added.
Co-leader Ross Greer celebrated the results at the West of Scotland regional count in Renfrew, describing the constituency breakthroughs as 'incredible'. He admitted initial concerns that Glasgow Southside might have 'slipped away from us' before the seat was won 'comfortably'. Mr Greer attributed the party's appeal to its strong opposition to Reform UK.
Future Government Role
Mr Greer declined to speculate on potential deals with the SNP, but confirmed he would congratulate John Swinney on his win in Perthshire North. 'The Greens want to get our policies delivered. Clearly you can do more of that from government in opposition. But the Greens have proven we can deliver from both,' he concluded.
