Patrick Harvie MSP has intimated that while he will remain available for selection for Holyrood next year, he will not stand in the Party’s upcoming leadership election.
The contest, set to take place this summer, is open to all party members.
Mr Harvie has been a Green MSP since 2003, and was first elected as the Party’s co-convenor in 2008. He became part of its first Co-Leader team in 2019, alongside Lorna Slater.
In 2021 Mr Harvie and Ms Slater became the first Green politicians in the UK to have roles in government when the party cut a deal with the SNP under then First Minister, Nicola Sturgeon.
The Greens continue to claim victories from that time in office introducing the rent freeze and leading on the upcoming Housing Bill which is intended to introduce protections and a system of rent controls in Scotland.
Mr Harvie will remain co-leader until the leadership election in the summer, and will continue to sit as a Scottish Green MSP, intending to put himself forward for selection by party members for the 2026 election.
Mr Harvie 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.
“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.”
Ms Slater said on X: “For nearly 17 years, Patrick Harvie has been the face of Green politics in Scotland. A champion for nature, the environment, the LGBTQ+ community, tenants, cyclists and the ‘Real Ale’ pub scene – the legacy of his time leading our party is historic and iconic.
“Patrick has been at the forefront of it all. Throughout our time together as co-leaders and as ministers, Patrick has been a thoughtful and loyal teammate. He has been a friend not just to me, but to all those he has helped since he was first elected in 2003. His achievements are often understated, but to anyone who has encountered this calm and tenacious man, you will know how deeply he cares about the work he does in our parliament day after day, and whilst his time as leader comes to an end, I am glad his time in politics continues.
“It has been such a privilege to co-lead the Scottish Greens with Patrick over the last five years and I look forward to continuing to work with him for many more in the Scottish Green Group at Holyrood. The party will be gearing up for a co-leadership election this summer, with the intention of working towards an even larger Scottish Green Group being elected in 2026. am looking forward to taking part in the debates and democratic processes as the party elects a new co-leaders.”
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