Edinburgh Green councillors have chosen a new team to serve as their co-conveners, acting as group leaders in the council.
At their AGM on Monday evening, Kayleigh Kinross-O’Neill was elected by fellow councillors and will join Cllr Chas Booth who is continuing as co-convener. Contrary to other political parties, the Edinburgh Greens have strict term limits for their co-conveners and regularly hold elections to ensure that power is spread throughout the group.
Taking over the role of co-convener from Cllr Susan Rae who stepped down after a year in post, Cllr Kinross-O’Neill commented:
“I’m very excited to have been elected as Green co-convenor of our Edinburgh councillor group. As a strong progressive party in opposition it is more important than ever that we see diverse voices represented in leadership. I’m hoping to speak for people in the city whose voices are silenced or ignored by decision makers in the Council.
We know that disabled people, trans people, migrants and refugees, those on lower incomes or in poverty, need more than shallow promises, delay and denial from our current administration in Edinburgh. Greens will always stand up for those who need it most and continue to scrutinise, develop policy or facilitate grassroots action that tackles the horrific impacts of the climate crisis.
We are in a very exciting time with elections on the horizon and I look forward to convening with Cllr Booth.”
Cllr Chas Booth said:
“I’m delighted that Edinburgh Green councillors have selected me to continue as co-convener of the group. As the chaos of the extreme minority Labour administration continues it is vital that we have a strong Green voice in opposition.
I would like to pay tribute to Susan Rae who has been my fellow co-convener over the past year and who it has been a joy to work with. Susan’s tenacity, passion and keen political instincts have been invaluable to the Edinburgh Green councillors and helped us secure many wins for people across the city. I’m looking forward to continuing that legacy with Cllr Kinross-O’Neill and my Green councillor colleagues.”