A PROMINENT Scottish Greens activist is challenging Patrick Harvie for the top spot in the Glasgow list in the 2026 Holyrood election.
Ellie Gomersall has officially put herself forward for selection to be an MSP for the Scottish Greens, saying she can offer “something different”.
It comes after Harvie announced he will be stepping 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, said will not stand in the leadership contest set to take place this summer.
However, he will continue to serve as an MSP and intends to put himself forward in 2026.
With the Scottish Greens nomination process for 2026 now open, Gomersall, who is Glasgow campaign manager for the party and a columnist for The National, has suggested that change is potentially needed.
“I do think that, you know, it is potentially time for change,” she said.
Gomersall added: “I'm standing because I'm serious. I'm standing because I think we've got a real opportunity for the Greens right now. I think we're at a bit of a crossroads, actually, in particular, with the rise of Reform UK and the far-right across the UK.
“We need really radical left-wing socialist politicians who can speak up for the people of Glasgow.”
She went on: “I think that Patrick has done a good job of that over the past 20 years.
“But I'm standing because I think I am offering something different. I think I'm offering something different for the Greens, and I think I'm offering something different to, actually, any other MSP in the Scottish Parliament right now.”
The Scottish Greens have recently been engaged in what appears to be a bitter feud between members and the party leadership.
Harvie even hit out at the "factionalism and toxicity" in one of his final speeches at the party's conference last month.
It comes after he previously warned members against "anonymous briefings" to the media and "insulting other members".
