Scottish Greens co-leaders Lorna Slater and Patrick Harvie have been confirmed as the party’s nominees for ministerial office – should members back the co-operation agreement with the Scottish Government.
It would be the first time that Green politicians have moved into government anywhere in the UK.
The party won eight seats at the Scottish election in May – although Alison Johnston renounced her party affiliation when she became Presiding Officer at Holyrood.
Of the two ministerial roles, one will be charged with delivering on plans to decarbonise transport, homes and buildings, as well as providing a “new deal” for tenants.
The other position would focus on green skills, industries such as energy, as well as restoring the natural environment.
Lorna Slater said: “The time has come for Scotland to step up efforts to decarbonise our economy and invest in a greener, independent future.
“The cooperation agreement we’ve negotiated would put Greens at the heart of decision making at this crucial time and if our members endorse it then I look forward to driving change in government.”
Patrick Harvie said Scottish Green members can be assured they will “waste no time” in getting to work on delivering a transformative agenda.
“With Greens in government we would be able to deliver positive change like tackling Scotland’s emissions, protecting nature, advancing tenants’ rights, bringing forward overdue equalities legislation and delivering an independence referendum,” he said.
“I am proud of our vibrant party democracy and look forward to discussing and debating this deal with members on Saturday and if they back it, they can be assured that we’ll waste no time getting to work to deliver on this transformative agenda.”
Scottish Conservative Covid recovery spokesman Murdo Fraser hit out at the move.
“Nicola Sturgeon is handing extremists key positions in government. The more details that emerge, the worse this nationalist coalition of chaos looks for hardworking families and workers across Scotland,” he said.
“MSPs who don’t believe in economic growth, who actively want to limit Scotland’s economy, are apparently going to be government ministers.
“Neither Patrick Harvie or Lorna Slater should be anywhere near key financial decisions that will impact jobs and businesses.
“Their growing influence is a danger to our oil and gas industry and the 100,000 jobs it supports. The Greens seek to undermine the future of the North Sea sector at every turn, and Nicola Sturgeon is giving them a bigger platform to do that.
“It’s a real worry that an anti-jobs duo may have a regular seat at the Cabinet table, while businesses are shut out from the decision-making process.
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