Scottish Green Party flags on a demonstration

Two independent councillors have defected to the Scottish Green Party. John Stuart and Ross McKenzie had their membership application to join the Greens approved by the party’s National Council.

Stuart was first elected to Moray Council as an SNP candidate, but left the party in 2024. McKenzie, meanwhile was elected to Edinburgh Council for Labour, but left over the decision to form an administration with the support of the Tories and Lib Dems.

Stuart said: “I am delighted to be joining Scotland’s largest progressive party at a time when the mainstream parties have shifted further to the right-wing, and are prioritising the demands of the super-rich over the needs of our communities.

“Scotland’s marginalised communities have been abandoned by mainstream parties in a desperate attempt to win over the votes of the far-right, but the Scottish Greens have stood their ground, making it clear that our vision for Scotland is as an independent, inclusive and equal nation at the heart of the EU.”

McKenzie added: “Since leaving the Labour Party, I have worked closely with my Scottish Green colleagues in Edinburgh to make a fairer, greener city for all.

“In the face of a disastrous Labour administration propped up by the Tories and Lib Dems, we need a strong left-wing alternative in our capital city, putting people and planet before profit.

“I’ve heard time and again from my constituents concerns about housing, social care, planning and public spaces, and I’m in no doubt that the most effective way for me to represent those concerns is by working as closely as possible with the Greens.

“Labour have abandoned their core principles of standing up for the working-class across our country, they would rather hold onto power with the backing of Tories than improve our city for people and planet.”

The move of the councillors to the Greens was welcomed by the party’s co-leader Gillian Mackay. She said:  “We’re delighted that Ross and John have joined the Scottish Greens. This is a movement dedicated to delivering eco-socialist change for people and planet across Scotland.

“From cutting household bills to taxing the super-rich and protecting our nature, I know that Ross and John will continue their fantastic work alongside our Green councillors in Moray and Edinburgh.

“With a Labour government looking more and more like the Conservatives every day and the SNP dropping progressive commitments all over the place, there has never been a more crucial moment for strong Scottish Green voices in town halls across our country.”

Image credit: Ric Lander – Creative Commons