Zack Polanski has tipped the Scottish Greens to gain control of City of Edinburgh Council next year.
The leader of the Green Party of England and Wales was in the capital on Saturday for an appearance at the Edinburgh Fringe.
While in Edinburgh, Mr Polanski rallied supporters ahead of two crucial council by-elections next month.
Voters in Portobello/Craigmillar and Southside/Newington will select two new councillors on September 3, following the resignations of MSPs Simita Kumar and Kate Campbell, both of the SNP.
“Loved visiting Edinburgh this weekend - as the Green Party prepare to run the council from next May,” Mr Polanski wrote on X.
“Meanwhile there are two council by-elections on September 3. Vote Green!”
Speaking to party members in Portobello, Mr Polanski expressed support for candidates Lorenzo Martinico (Portobello/Craigmillar) and Isabella Gastel Alejandre (Southside/Newington).
He said: “I'm delighted to be supporting Lorenzo and Isabella. They're exactly the kind of local champions we need in Edinburgh and across the UK.
"They've built energetic grassroots campaigns around a positive vision for a city that works for people and planet.”
Mr Polanski added: "With more Green councillors, we can do far more to lower rents, cut pollution and invest in nature and green spaces.
“I hope residents will join them in demanding better for Edinburgh by voting Scottish Green on September 3.”
Currently, the SNP hold 15 seats on the council, while the Lib Dems have 14 and Labour have 11.
Meanwhile, the Conservatives and the Greens have 10 each. There is one independent councillor, who is a member of the Scottish Greens.
Due to the backing of the Lib Dems and Conservatives, Labour have maintained minority control of the council since 2022.
Following the rise in support for the party across the city at May’s Holyrood elections, the Greens are bullish on their chances to play a role in the next council administration.
The two by-elections will be a key test ahead of the local authority elections in May 2027.
“We're proud to have Zack's support. He's an inspiring voice for change, and it's fantastic to have him campaigning with us in Edinburgh,” Ms Gastel Alejandre said.
"The decisions made at City Chambers affect the everyday lives of people across our city, from housing and public transport to our parks, schools and local services. Local people deserve representatives who will stand up for their communities and push for the investment they need, which is exactly what me and Lorenzo will do.
“These by-elections are a chance for local people to vote for Green representatives who will demand better for our city and work hard to deliver it.”
Several other leading Green figures, including Scottish Greens co-leaders Ross Greer and Gillian Mackay, were also present at the rally on Saturday.
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Mr Martinico added: “It's great to have Zack's backing in these crucial by-elections.
“Edinburgh Greens have a long history of delivering change, and I hope that residents in both wards will join us in calling for action to tackle the housing crisis and cut pollution.”
He said: "With just [nine] months until the full Edinburgh Council elections, this is an opportunity for residents to send a clear message about the kind of city they want and the services they expect.
"We're running a positive, hopeful campaign, and we're delighted Zack is supporting us in this way.”
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