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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 unveiled the candidates who will contest the regional lists at the 2021 Holyrood election. | |
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 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." |