Monday August 17th 2026
Glasgow City Chambers
Written by Local Democracy Reporter, Sarah Hilley
Two new leaders have taken over the running of the Greens in Glasgow and believe they are in with a chance of being the city’s largest political party in the council.
Councillor Lana Reid-McConnell and Bailie Anthony Carroll are now in charge as Bailie Martha Wardrop and Councillor Jon Molyneux stepped down after not seeking re-election.
The party said it is targeting a record number of seats in the May council election after its Scottish Parliament success in the city.
Councillor Carroll said: “There is a real possibility of us becoming the largest party in Glasgow City Council.”
Referring to the Scottish Parliament campaign, he said: “I was going around Shettleston and people in their 20s, 30s and 40s said they were voting Green for the first time.”
Going forward, he said the housing crisis is a priority with rent going “through the roof” and called for more social housing.
The Dennistoun councillor said his party hopes to roll out rent controls to make it more affordable for people.
He said “radical change is needed” and “we have not been getting enough support from the Scottish Government”.
Commenting on energy bills, he pointed out renewables could be harnessed more to lower costs – referring to how the council is cutting its bills through green energy such as solar panels.
Bailie Carroll and Victoria Park councillor Reid-McConnell were both elected in 2022.
In a joint statement they said: “We’re honoured to be taking up the mantle of leading the Green Group in Glasgow. We want to thank Jon and Martha for their years of tireless work serving Glasgow and the Scottish Greens.
“Glasgow’s Green Councillors have been a force that has pushed for radical action in tackling the crises’ of our time such as housing and the climate emergencies, while delivering for a fairer, greener Glasgow through securing further investment in cleansing, public transport, securing the introduction of rent controls, and universally free school meals for primary schools.
“We will continue to stand up for people and planet before profit, championing a bolder and fairer politics that Glaswegians are so desperately seeking. More Glaswegians voted for us than Labour or Reform in May this year and we will work our hardest to build on that historic result by winning the trust of even more voters running up to the council elections and electing more Green councillors than ever before.”
Cllr Martha Wardrop said: “Congratulations to Lana and Anthony on becoming the Co-Leaders of the Green Councillors Group in the City Chambers. Their energy, passion and skills are going to help ensure local government is able to take up the opportunities and meet the challenges we face in the year ahead.”
Councillor Jon Molyneux said: “ Greens are now the alternative leadership in Glasgow and we’re on track to elect a record number of councillors next May. “Anthony and Lana are first-rate councillors and they will provide principled and dynamic leadership to that campaign and beyond so I’m delighted they’re stepping up at this time.”
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