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Scottish Greens aim for two seats in every region Scottish Greens unveil 2021 election candidates
(about 11 hours later)
The Scottish Greens are aiming to win two seats in very region over the next 18 months.The Scottish Greens are aiming to win two seats in very region over the next 18 months.
At the party's conference in Inverness, co-leaders Patrick Harvie and Lorna Slater will unveil who has been selected to contest the regional lists in 2021. At the party's conference in Inverness, co-leaders Patrick Harvie and Lorna Slater unveiled the candidates who will contest the regional lists at the 2021 Holyrood election.
They will also point to the success the party has had with only six MSPs. All the party's MSPs have been reselected apart from John Finnie, who has announced his retirement.
Ariane Burgess hopes to replace him, followed by Anne Thomas.
Ms Burgess, who tops the regional list for the Highlands and Islands, said: "I'm honoured to be selected to be lead candidate for the region. John Finnie has worked tirelessly to improve the lives and opportunities in the region, and I want to be in the position to continue his legacy.
"Greens can longer be the raindrops at the start of the storm. We need to be the storm. Our campaign starts now."
'Biggest campaign ever'
Co-leader Patrick Harvie tops the Glasgow list, followed by Dennistoun councillor Kim Long, while Alison Johnstone and Andy Wightman are followed by co-leader Lorna Slater in the Lothian list.
Ross Greer in West Scotland is followed by Carolynn Scrimgeour, while Mid Scotland and Fife will see Mags Hall follow Mark Ruskell.
The Central region list is topped by Gillian Mackay followed by Rosemary McGowan and the South of Scotland list will have Laura Moodie and Barbra Harvie at the top.
Former co-convener Maggie Chapman tops the list for the North East, followed by Guy Ingerson.
Gillian Mackay said: "Four of Scotland's top climate polluters are within minutes of where I grew up. I can't wait to be part of the most successful green team ever."
Councillor Kim Long said: "We have a lot to do. We are going to run our biggest campaign ever and win a record number of MSPs."
At the conference, Mr Harvie and Ms Long will point to the success the party has had with only six MSPs.
And they will say the party "can lead the way with a vision for a green and independent Scotland."And they will say the party "can lead the way with a vision for a green and independent Scotland."
The party is concerned at the lack of short-term measures to significantly cut Scotland's carbon footprint and will say this is why more Green MSPs are needed to push for a Scottish Green New Deal.The party is concerned at the lack of short-term measures to significantly cut Scotland's carbon footprint and will say this is why more Green MSPs are needed to push for a Scottish Green New Deal.
'Transformative change''Transformative change'
Co-leader Lorna Slater will say: "Only the Greens understand the climate emergency, know what needs to be done, and are determined enough to deliver transformative change.Co-leader Lorna Slater will say: "Only the Greens understand the climate emergency, know what needs to be done, and are determined enough to deliver transformative change.
"Every one of the 16 candidates we announce today can be elected in 2021. "Every one of the 16 candidates we announced today can be elected in 2021.
"And just imagine the hope this could give us. The power to take the action needed to save the planet and build a new Scotland."And just imagine the hope this could give us. The power to take the action needed to save the planet and build a new Scotland.
"Our time is now. In 2021, we can win.""Our time is now. In 2021, we can win."
The party is also set to debate the future of social security in Scotland.The party is also set to debate the future of social security in Scotland.
A motion on the merits of granting immigrants access to universal credit will be brought, with social security spokeswoman Alison Johnstone claiming that while this would be a welcome step, more fundamental reform of Scotland's social security system is needed to make it fit for purpose.A motion on the merits of granting immigrants access to universal credit will be brought, with social security spokeswoman Alison Johnstone claiming that while this would be a welcome step, more fundamental reform of Scotland's social security system is needed to make it fit for purpose.
She said: "The UK government has taken a sledgehammer to social security provision over recent years leaving the most vulnerable people in our communities in dire straights.She said: "The UK government has taken a sledgehammer to social security provision over recent years leaving the most vulnerable people in our communities in dire straights.
"I welcome the introduction of a more equitable social security in Scotland, although obviously only a small number of payments are actually devolved."I welcome the introduction of a more equitable social security in Scotland, although obviously only a small number of payments are actually devolved.
"It is vital the dignity and respect is at the heart of our social security system.""It is vital the dignity and respect is at the heart of our social security system."