The architect of the controversial rent freeze in Scotland will not stand again for the leadership of the Green Party.

Patrick Harvie has been a Member of the Scottish Parliament for over 20 years and was elected co-leader of his party some six years ago.

Harvie and his then co-leader Lorna Slater.

became the first Green politicians in the UK to have roles in government, running Scotland alongside the Scottish National Party.

Harvie introduced a rent freeze and eviction ban while in office, and masterminded much of the upcoming Scottish Housing Bill which will eventually reintroduce rent controls on a more permanent basis in that country.

But he says he won’t stand in the Green Party leadership election next year and comments: “It has been an extraordinary privilege to hold leadership roles in the Scottish Greens, first as Co-Convenor and then as part of our first ever Co-Leader team.

“It has also been humbling to have had the support of party members to serve in these roles, and to work with members around the country to advance Green politics in Scotland.

“At the start of devolution, few people regarded the Greens as a serious political force. But as we have grown, learned and developed we have become the most significant, sustained new movement in Scottish politics for generations. Given the growing urgency of the climate emergency, that movement is greatly needed.

“Green solutions are more necessary than ever, and we have been the only party clearly making the case for the action needed to tackle growing inequality and the climate and nature emergency. Others are happy to set targets, but then actively resist the action needed to meet them.

“I want to thank everyone who has helped the party to grow, and given me the opportunity to play a role. There is far more work ahead of us, especially as we see both UK and Scottish Governments drag their feet on climate action, and too often continue the policies which have made our society less equal.

“The election of Co-Leaders in a pre-election year is an important moment for the party. I won’t be part of the leadership team that fronts up that campaign, but I’m optimistic to see the party choose the people who will do so, and to us building on our record results and delivering the largest possible group of Green MSPs in 2026.”