PATRICK Harvie is set to step down as co-leader of the Scottish Greens after almost 17 years.
The MSP, who was first elected as the party's co-convener in 2008, has announced he will not stand in the leadership contest set to take place this summer.
Harvie will continue to serve as an MSP and intends to put himself forward in the 2026 Holyrood election.
Harvie was first elected as an MSP in 2003 and has been re-elected to Holyrood in every subsequent election, making him the party's longest serving MSP.
Harvie became the male co-convener of the Scottish Greens in 2008, and then became co-leader in 2019 alongside Lorna Slater, when the party altered its constitution to create co-leaders instead of co-convenors.
During his time as co-leader, the Greens won their most ever seats in Holyrood – picking up eight in the 2021 Holyrood election.
Harvie and Slater became the first Green politicians in the UK to have roles in Government under the Bute House Agreement, with Harvie becoming the minister for zero carbon buildings, active travel and tenants' rights.
During his time in the role, he introduced emergency rent freeze legislation in response to the cost of living crisis.
The agreement was scrapped by former first minister Humza Yousaf last year – a move which ultimately led to his resignation.
Harvie said: “It has been an extraordinary privilege to hold leadership roles in the Scottish Greens, first as co-convener 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.
Since 2008, Patrick Harvie has jointly led the Scottish Greens. Today, he has announced that this will be his last year in the role as he won't be re-standing in this year's internal elections. Thank you for everything, Patrick💚 pic.twitter.com/PL3sbtnOWt
— Scottish Greens (@scottishgreens) April 2, 2025
“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."
In a video on social media platform TikTok on Wednesday afternoon, Slater confirmed she would be re-standing for the co-leader position in the summer.
Slater said: "I'm really going to miss co-leading the Scottish Greens with Patrick Harvie and very much hope to work with him for many more years in the Scottish Green group at Holyrood.
"I'll be standing for co-leader again when the party votes for a new leadership team to take us into next year's Scottish elections."
@lornagreens New co-leadership team for the @Scottish Greens ♬ original sound - Lorna Slater (she/her)
Commenting, First Minister John Swinney said: "I am sorry to see @patrickharvie step down as co-leader of the @scottishgreens. He has been a formidable advocate for his ideals and I wish him well."
I am sorry to see @patrickharvie step down as co-leader of the @scottishgreens. He has been a formidable advocate for his ideals and I wish him well. https://t.co/ZqkZxVjOmJ
— John Swinney (@JohnSwinney) April 2, 2025
