Politics plays a crucial role in every society, and politicians are tasked with serving their communities with integrity and dedication. Today, we focus on Mark Ballard, a former Scottish Green Party politician and Member of the Scottish Parliament (MSP). He also served as Co-Convener of the Edinburgh Green Party from 2007 to 2010 and was Rector of the University of Edinburgh. Interestingly, Mark Ballard was born in Leeds, making him one of the city’s notable figures. Learn more on leedsyes.com.
Education and Early Career
Mark Ballard was born in Leeds in 1971 but spent his childhood in India and Pakistan.
He received his secondary education at Lawnswood School in Leeds and later attended the University of Edinburgh, where he earned a Master’s degree in Economic and Social History.
Ballard began his professional career with European Youth Forest Action in Edinburgh and Amsterdam. He later worked as the editor of Reforesting Scotland magazine and founded an environmental communications consultancy, which operated until 2003.
Political Career
At 15, Mark joined the Labour Party’s youth wing and supported the party until 1991. He then became active in the Scottish Green Party’s student movement. Ballard ran as a Green Party candidate in local elections in 1995, 1999, and 2001. His political breakthrough came in 2003 when he was elected to the Scottish Parliament.
During his tenure, Ballard served on the Scottish Parliament’s Finance Committee and as a deputy member of the Enterprise and Culture Committee. He championed the development of social enterprises and cooperatives as a green alternative to the existing economic system. Ballard also advocated for environmentally responsible procurement practices and ethical investment campaigns.
The politician opposed the Dalkeith bypass and the M74 motorway while supporting Edinburgh’s tram system and a more affordable public transport network. He was also against tuition fees for students, gaining significant support among Edinburgh’s student population.
Ballard was involved in several controversies. Notably, he participated in direct-action campaigns against British nuclear weapons at Faslane on the River Clyde, resulting in several arrests. In 1999, he was involved in a legal case concerning the destruction of a field of rapeseed at the Roslin Institute near Dalkeith. Additionally, Ballard faced allegations of destroying facilities owned by Monsanto, though these charges were later dropped.
Rector of the University of Edinburgh
In 2006, Ballard pursued a role in education by running for Rector of the University of Edinburgh. The election employed a single transferable vote system, and Ballard won with 3,597 votes.
As Rector, Ballard worked on issues affecting students and university staff. He played a pivotal role in the abolition of tuition fees in Scotland in 2008.
In 2009, Ballard stepped down from his position as Rector.
After leaving Parliament, Ballard became Head of Communications for the Scottish Council for Voluntary Organisations. He later served as Assistant Director of Barnardo’s Scotland and as Strategy Director for Chest, Heart and Stroke Scotland. In 2017, he assumed the role of Chair of Save the Children Scotland. Ballard also worked with the children’s charity Children 1st.
Mark Ballard’s career spans politics, education, and charity work, reflecting a deep commitment to public service and environmental advocacy. His contributions have left a lasting impact, particularly in promoting green policies and supporting vulnerable populations.