Scottish Greens Co-Leader Ross Greer Dismisses First Minister Ambitions
Scottish Green Party co-leader Ross Greer has publicly stated he is "not interested" in assuming the role of First Minister of Scotland, instead expressing his willingness to serve as deputy first minister under his party co-leader, Gillian Mackay.
Greer's Commitment to Deputy Role Under Mackay
In an interview with the Press Association, Mr Greer emphasised his political style, which he described as focusing on detailed policy work behind the scenes. "I am quite genuinely not interested in becoming the first minister of Scotland, and I would be unbelievably proud to serve as the deputy to first minister Gillian Mackay," he stated. "I have a style of politics that I think leans towards just getting stuck into the details and back rooms and make sure that policies get delivered."
Mr Greer highlighted Ms Mackay's qualifications, noting her expertise in social justice and health policy, areas he believes resonate strongly with the Scottish public. "Gillian has the depth of knowledge about areas of public policy that people really care about, like our NHS, and the kind of compassion that we should want to see in our political leaders," he added.
Election Context and Polling Predictions
The political landscape is shaped by recent polling data from YouGov, which forecasts the Scottish Greens could secure 11 seats in the upcoming election. This would represent a significant gain but still falls short of the SNP's predicted 67 seats, which would grant them an outright majority. However, if the SNP fails to achieve that majority, it could pave the way for a potential coalition or cooperation agreement with the Scottish Greens, similar to their previous collaboration in government.
Mr Greer acknowledged this scenario, stating that in the event of a Green majority government, he would congratulate Ms Mackay as Scotland's first Green first minister. He humorously noted, "I've not told her yet that yet, though, breaking the news to Gillian that she will be the next first minister through PA Media."
Greer's Political Background and Party Leadership
Ross Greer has a notable political trajectory, having been elected as the youngest MSP in the 2016 election at age 21. His involvement with the Scottish Greens began at 15, and he served as a member of the Scottish Youth Parliament, representing the Clydebank and Milngavie constituency from 2011 to 2013. He rose to co-lead the party alongside Gillian Mackay in 2025.
Ms Mackay, the only female party leader currently on the campaign trail, has been co-leader since August of the previous year, following the birth of her first child in June. Her focus on social justice and health issues has been a cornerstone of her parliamentary work, earning praise from Mr Greer as the "kind of politician" Scotland desires.
Party Manifesto and Policy Priorities
The Scottish Greens recently unveiled their manifesto, which includes pledges to enhance childcare provisions, introduce free bus travel for all, and adopt a firm stance against new North Sea oil and gas drilling. Historically, the party has collaborated with the SNP in government, achieving policy successes such as the elimination of peak rail tickets.
Mr Greer underscored the party's commitment to environmental action, stating that the Scottish Greens would only join a government "serious about tackling the climate emergency." He elaborated on this, pointing out that while licensing decisions for North Sea activities are reserved to the UK government, the Scottish government could take more proactive measures. "What the Greens want to see is a real focus on investment in the sectors that will create high-quality jobs in green industries," he explained, emphasising the need to transition from declining oil and gas sectors to renewables and clean heat industries.
Future Prospects and Coalition Considerations
As the election approaches, the dynamics between parties remain fluid. The Scottish Greens' potential role in government formation hinges on their performance and the SNP's ability to secure a majority. Mr Greer's statements reflect a strategic focus on policy delivery and environmental priorities, rather than personal ambition for the top leadership position.
This stance aligns with the party's broader goals of promoting sustainability and social justice, as outlined in their manifesto. With the climate crisis at the forefront of their agenda, the Scottish Greens aim to influence government policy, whether through coalition participation or opposition advocacy, to drive investment in green jobs and renewable energy sectors.
