The Scottish Green councillors on Edinburgh council have elected Susan Rae and Chas Booth as their new group co-convenors at their councillors AGM. The two will succeed Alys Mumford and Ben Parker who have been group co-convenors for the last two years. The role of co-convenor includes chairing group discussions, leading on questions to the council leader at full council and representing the Green group at leaders’ meetings.
Cllr Susan Rae said:
I’m delighted that Chas & I were elected this evening as co-conveners of the Edinburgh Green Group. It’s a huge challenge to pick up the baton from Cllrs Mumford & Parker who have been incredible co-conveners for our group – from their amazing leadership to their organisational skills, political savvy and ability to inspire those around them. I hope to continue all of their work in that spirit. We have an amazing team of ten Green councillors in Edinburgh, and we look forward to all working together as an effective team to hold the administration to account.
Cllr Chas Booth said:
I’m grateful for the support of my colleagues in taking on this role, and want to pay tribute to the great work of Cllr Alys Mumford and Cllr Ben Parker over the last two years in the position. I look forward to working with Susan to continue their work of holding the council administration to account, especially on tackling the climate emergency and ending poverty. The Green group will continue to work constructively and will support the council administration when they get things right, but we will not hesitate to call them to account when they get things wrong.
Cllr Alys Mumford said:
“It’s been an absolute privilege to be co-convener of the group for the past 2 years, where I have been constantly inspired by the passion, dedication and intelligence of both my fellow Green Councillors and the members of the Edinburgh branch. I’m so pleased that Chas and Susan have been elected to convene our group and look forward to them continuing to shake things up in the Chamber and behind the scenes. Ben has been a phenomenal Co-Convener and a model for men who want to be good allies to women in politics – using his position to push for equality, but always happy to step back to make space for those less often heard.
Cllr Ben Parker said:
I’m delighted to hand over the role of co-convener to Chas and Susan, although of course I will miss working with Alys who has been an incredible colleague and together we have begun to make real change in Edinburgh Council. Greens like to do things differently, and while some might be surprised that we have elected new co-conveners just two years into the council term – in contrast to leaders of other parties who may cling on to power long after they should – for us it is a fundamental element of our democracy. Having term limits for co-conveners, as well as changing portfolio holders frequently brings new ideas and energy, lets new voices be heard, and ensures the best outcomes for the people of Edinburgh.
Susan Rae is the Green councillor for Leith Walk. She was first elected in 2017 and re-elected in 2022. An activist and feminist with a record of campaigning on local, national and international issues, Susan has campaigned with Women’s Aid, Women 50/50, Edinburgh Toys for Gaza and Edinburgh Anti-Cuts groups fighting fuel poverty, poll tax, bedroom tax, council cuts and austerity.
Chas Booth is the Green councillor for Leith. He was first elected in 2012 and has been re-elected twice. Chas lives in Leith with his wife and two children. Prior to his election in May 2012, Chas was a fuel poverty campaigner. He has also campaigned for Friends of the Earth Scotland and worked for the Green Party in the Scottish and European Parliaments.