THE Scottish Greens have become embroiled in a bitter row after the co-chair of the party’s executive resigned after just seven months, accusing a “Holyrood caste” of being ready to “gut your friend before laying a scratch on the enemy”.
In a furious statement issued on Sunday evening and seen by The National, Jen Bell claimed there was a “clique” within the Greens at the Scottish Parliament who would “jealously, viciously, hoard their privilege”.
The National understands that it came amid growing tensions within the party about selection contests for the 2026 Holyrood elections.
Under the Scottish Greens’ constitution, incumbent MSPs must follow the same selection process as any challengers before winning the right to stand on the party ticket.
In her resignation statement, Bell said: “I've devoted a significant chapter of my life in service to the party. My decision is based on my recognition that my time, energy and ambitions are better placed elsewhere.
"Scotland's political landscape is stagnant. The Scottish Greens are not immune to this stagnation.
“The Holyrood caste, and those within the party who aspire to join them – though they pretend otherwise – are enthralled to optics; enamoured by empty status; create and preserve patronage for themselves and their cliques; jealously, viciously, hoard their privilege from outsiders; condescend and scorn the marginalised they claim to care for; and squander entire movements, entire nations, in service of a lie.
“They present no serious threat to vested interests. They would gut your friend before laying a scratch on the enemy. They will never build anything real.”
Bell said there were many great people in the Greens – but said they “are not in control”.
She went on: “I leave with no regrets. Only the knowledge that I have always acted with conviction and loyalty to the party above all else. The work I've done stands on its own and I trust I will be judged fairly.
“To those like-minded members I've had the honour to work alongside, I wish you well.
“To those who want to gossip, speculate about my departure, or even try to discredit me: don't waste your time. I've nothing to prove and no interest in arguing.”
Bell had been elected to the role of executive co-chair of the Scottish Greens last August.
Tensions between the Green membership and leadership team led to the party's conference being derailed last October, with the agenda binned on day one after a majority vote.
The Greens declined to comment.
