Alison Johnstone

Alison Johnstone is a Scottish politician who has served as the Presiding Officer of the Scottish Parliament since May 2021. Elected as a Member of the Scottish Parliament for the Lothian region in 2011 as a member of the Scottish Green Party, she assumed the politically neutral role of Presiding Officer, succeeding Ken Macintosh. Her career has been marked by advocacy for environmental policy, social justice, and animal welfare.

Early life and education

Born in Edinburgh, she was educated at Ainslie Park Secondary School before studying at the University of Edinburgh. Prior to entering politics, she worked as an athletics coach, an experience that informed her later community-focused work. Her early professional life included roles with organizations such as the Scottish Council for Voluntary Organisations.

Political career

Johnstone was first elected to the Scottish Parliament in the 2011 Scottish Parliament election, representing the Lothian region for the Scottish Green Party. She was re-elected in the 2016 Scottish Parliament election and again in the 2021 Scottish Parliament election. During her tenure as a backbench MSP, she served on several committees, including the Public Petitions Committee and the Health and Sport Committee. She introduced a member's bill, the Animals and Wildlife (Penalties, Protections and Powers) (Scotland) Act 2020, which significantly increased penalties for animal cruelty.

Presiding Officer of the Scottish Parliament

Following the 2021 election, she was elected by her parliamentary peers as the Presiding Officer of the Scottish Parliament, a role analogous to the Speaker of the House of Commons. Upon election, she resigned from the Scottish Green Party to maintain the political neutrality required of the office. Her duties include chairing sessions of the Scottish Parliament, upholding standing orders, and representing the parliament at official events alongside figures like the First Minister of Scotland and the Monarch of the United Kingdom.

Political positions and views

Throughout her political career, Johnstone has been a prominent voice on green politics and progressive issues. She has consistently advocated for stronger action on the climate emergency, supporting policies like the Green New Deal and opposing new North Sea oil exploration. Her legislative work has focused on animal rights, tackling poverty, and improving public health, notably through measures to address fuel poverty and promote active travel. She has also been a supporter of Scottish independence.

Personal life

She lives in Edinburgh and is a lifelong vegetarian and advocate for veganism. An avid runner, she has competed in the Edinburgh Marathon and remains involved in local athletics. She is married and has two children.