The Scottish Green Party has achieved a historic milestone by winning its first two constituency seats in the Scottish Parliament, prompting one newly elected MSP to declare that voting Green is no longer a "wasted vote."
Historic victories in Edinburgh and Glasgow
Lorna Slater secured a landmark win in Edinburgh Central, defeating SNP minister Angus Robertson, while Holly Bruce triumphed in Glasgow Southside, a constituency previously held by former first minister Nicola Sturgeon. Both victories mark the first time the Greens have won constituency seats at Holyrood, having previously only gained representation through regional list seats.
Ms Slater's victory was particularly notable as she finished ahead of the SNP's Angus Robertson, a prominent figure in Scottish politics. Ms Bruce, meanwhile, fought a tough battle against equalities minister Kaukab Stewart in Glasgow Southside.
Party hopeful for largest MSP group
The Scottish Greens are optimistic about securing their largest ever group of MSPs, with the full results of regional ballots expected later on Friday evening. Speaking to journalists after her win, Ms Slater emphasised the significance of the achievement: "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."
When asked about the impact of her SNP opponent's meeting with an Israeli ambassador on the election outcome, Ms Slater noted: "Edinburgh Central does have a young student population and of course the issue of Palestine is important to a lot of people. Who we talk to and what we say does matter. I think that the Greens' solidarity with Palestine has made a difference."
Ms Bruce echoed the sentiment, stating: "I'm delighted for Lorna, she won by a landslide, and 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."
