Wednesday January 21st 2026
Scottish Greens candidate for Edinburgh Central, Lorna Slater
Written by Midlothian View Reporter, Liam Eunson
The Scottish Greens have announced that former leader and former member of the Scottish Government, Lorna Slater, will stand as the party’s candidate for Edinburgh Central in the up-coming Scottish elections in May, challenging SNP Cabinet Secretary Angus Robertson for his seat.
The Greens are going into the election focused on cutting household bills, expanding rent controls, alongside taking strong action on climate change and redistributing wealth, challenging the SNP in what they explained as ‘one of the most high-profile contests of the election’.
A former Canadian renewables engineer, Lorna Slater is the former co-party leader and was one of the first Green Party Government Ministers anywhere in the UK, formally serving as Minister for Green Skills, Circular Economy and Biodiversity.
Slater expressed that she is ‘proud to be standing’, explaining that politics in Edinburgh has ‘been dominated by the same voices’ for too long.
She said: “I am proud to be standing as the Scottish Green candidate for Edinburgh Central. This is a constituency full of energy, creativity and diversity, but far too many people here are struggling with soaring rents, rising bills and insecure work, making the cost of living unsustainable.
“For too long, politics in our city has been dominated by the same voices, offering continuity rather than the bold change people need and want.
“At a time of deepening inequality, comfortable-continuity simply is not enough. Our community needs bold action. Edinburgh Central needs an MSP who will focus on practical measures to cut the cost of living.”
Slater was involved in the delivery of free bus travel for young Scots, alongside playing a role in funding for nature restoration. She also headed up the failed deposit return scheme while in government.
Highlighting her previous policies, she added: “I am proud of the work we have done to make bus travel free for young people, end peak rail fares and put money back in people’s pockets.
“I have shown that it is possible to turn Green values into real things for the people of Scotland. I will bring that same determination to Edinburgh Central by standing up for tenants, for public services, and for the urgent climate action that is so desperately needed for ordinary people in Edinburgh Central.”
Scottish Greens Co-Leader Gillian Mackay described Slater as one of ‘the most impactful Green politicians’, highlighting her ‘proven track-record’.
She added: “Edinburgh Central deserves an MSP who will challenge complacency and push for faster, fairer change. Lorna will make the case for bolder action on housing, climate and inequality, as the cost-of-living crisis continues to spiral out of control.
“This will be a closely watched contest, and we are confident that people in Edinburgh Central will respond to a positive and principled candidate that offers a real Green alternative and future.”
Alongside Slater and Robertson in the fiercely competitive seat, Leith Walk Scottish Labour councillor James Dalgleish, Conservative Edinburgh councillor Joanna Mowat, and Liberal Democrat Charles Dundas are also running.
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