Lorna Slater's victory marks a turning point for the party as Angus Robertson faces defeat
Category: Politics
The Scottish Greens made history on May 8, 2026, by winning their first-ever constituency seats in the Scottish Parliament, defeating prominent SNP figures in the process. Lorna Slater triumphed over Angus Robertson in the Edinburgh Central constituency, securing a majority of 4,582 votes, or 13% more than her Labour rival, who finished second.
Slater's victory is particularly notable as it signifies a shift in the political dynamics of Scotland, where the Greens have traditionally relied on proportional representation through regional lists to elect Members of the Scottish Parliament (MSPs). This election marks a momentous occasion for the party, which has now firmly established itself in the constituency arena.
In the Edinburgh Central contest, Slater received 12,680 votes compared to Robertson's 7,702, placing him in third position. This marks the first time since 2011 that the SNP has finished third in a constituency election, highlighting a substantial decline in support for the party in this area. Slater's win reflects the changing political sentiments among voters and indicates a growing appetite for Green policies, especially among younger demographics.
Green councillor Holly Bruce also achieved a historic victory by winning the Glasgow Southside constituency, which was previously held by Nicola Sturgeon. Bruce secured her seat with a majority of 3,101 votes, or 8.1%, over former SNP minister Kaukab Stewart. The Green Party's success in these constituencies is seen as a clear endorsement of their progressive agenda, which Slater emphasized in her victory speech, stating, "Two constituencies is amazing for us. It shows how that progressive agenda really has support, especially from young people."
Robertson's defeat is a particularly stinging blow, as he has been a prominent figure within the SNP, serving as the party's campaign director and previously as its leader at Westminster. His loss in Edinburgh Central is compounded by the fact that he is unlikely to return to Holyrood, as he is ranked fourth on the SNP's regional list for Edinburgh and Lothians East. The party's failure to secure a seat in this traditionally strong area has raised questions about its future direction and the challenges it faces.
Throughout his campaign, Robertson faced criticism for his lack of engagement with constituents, including accusations of not holding in-person surgeries and being out of touch with local issues. His controversial meeting with an Israeli diplomat in 2024 also drew backlash, with critics within his own party branding him a "liability." This meeting, which included discussions on topics unrelated to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, alienated some voters who felt he was not adequately representing their interests.
Slater, who previously was a minister in an SNP-Green coalition government, expressed her hope that the Greens would surpass their previous record of eight MSPs from the 2021 elections. She stated, "Holly is going to be a great MSP. We absolutely weren't really expecting that, so I'm blown away." Bruce echoed this sentiment in her acceptance speech, saying, "This victory isn't just mine, it belongs to all of you," emphasizing the collective effort behind their campaign.
The Scottish Greens have historically relied on proportional representation to gain seats in the Scottish Parliament, with previous elections yielding no constituency wins. This election marks a watershed moment for the party, as they transition from a regional list-based approach to securing direct constituency victories. The success in Edinburgh Central and Glasgow Southside reflects a broader trend of increasing support for environmental policies and progressive governance in Scotland.
Robertson's career has been marked by both successes and setbacks. He previously was the SNP's culture and external affairs secretary and was a key player in the party's strategy during the last election. His fall from grace is reminiscent of his earlier defeat in the 2017 general election, where he lost his Moray seat to Conservative candidate Douglas Ross. This latest loss raises questions about his political future and the SNP's ability to maintain its foothold in urban constituencies.
Slater's win is a personal achievement and a reflection of the changing political climate in Scotland, where issues such as climate change and social justice are becoming increasingly prominent in voters' minds. The Greens have positioned themselves as champions of these issues, appealing to a demographic that is increasingly disillusioned with traditional party politics.
As the dust settles from the election, the Scottish Greens are ahead to potentially increasing their presence in Holyrood. With two constituency seats now secured, Slater and Bruce will have the opportunity to influence policy directly and advocate for their agenda within the Scottish Parliament. The party aims to build on this momentum and engage with constituents on pressing issues such as climate action and social equity.
For the SNP, the challenge will be to reassess its strategies and address the concerns raised by voters during this election. With Robertson's defeat, there may be calls for a leadership review and a reevaluation of the party's approach to constituency engagement. The SNP must work to regain the trust of its base and adapt to the shifting political environment, particularly in urban areas where support has waned.
Looking ahead, the Scottish Parliament will reconvene to discuss the implications of these election results, and the Greens are expected to play a more prominent role in shaping policy. As Slater stated, "We are hopeful of returning the largest ever number of Greens to Holyrood," indicating a desire to capitalize on their recent successes.
The political narrative in Scotland is undoubtedly shifting, and the outcomes of this election may have lasting effects on the future of both the Scottish Greens and the SNP. With the next parliamentary session set to begin soon, attention will turn to how these parties navigate their respective challenges and opportunities in the coming months.