Scottish Greens reveal spokespeople for new parliament

The Scottish Greens have revealed their spokespeople, who will cover government portfolios, following the beginning of the sixth parliament session.

Patrick Harvie, party co-leader, will continue to speak on finance and constitutional issues, while fellow co-leader Lorna Slater will lead on economic recovery from the pandemic and a green industrial strategy to lower Scotland's carbon emissions.

The appointments follow First Minister Nicola Sturgeon's Cabinet announcement earlier this week and Douglas Ross' unveiling of the Scottish Conservatives' shadow cabinet yesterday.

The rest of the Greens' spokespeople are as follows:

Ariane Burgess - Communities, Land Reform, Housing and Rural Affairs

This role includes the islands, farming, housing, planning and community empowerment.

Maggie Chapman - Justice, Equality and Human Rights

Chapman's post will also cover community safety, migration and international development, social security and older people.

Ross Greer - Education, Culture and External Affairs

This includes schools, further and higher education, skills, children and young people.

Gillian Mackay - Health and Social Care

Mackay's role extends to sport, public health and mental wellbeing.

Mark Ruskell - Environment, Climate and Transport

This job also includes energy, active travel, environmental protections and nature restoration.

Commenting on the appointments, Slater said: "The Scottish Greens will work constructively in this parliament for a green recovery that leaves no-one behind and tackles the urgent challenge of the climate emergency.

"We have our biggest mandate in the history of the Scottish Parliament, and a team with talent and expertise to speak on behalf of our movement and secure the pro-independence majority."