ACT Greens choose Jo Clay as new leader in membership vote

ACT Greens interim leader Jo Clay has been formally chosen as the party's new leader, replacing Shane Rattenbury after his resignation.

Party members had a choice between Ms Clay, the party's then-deputy, and returning MLA Rebecca Vassarotti, with voting closing on Sunday.

Ms Clay took over as interim leader after Mr Rattenbury, the former leader, resigned from politics in April after 17 years in the ACT Legislative Assembly.

Her elevation to leader is a new chapter for the ACT Greens after Mr Rattenbury's 14-year stint in charge of the party.

'The Greens will keep fighting with everything we have'

In a statement Ms Clay said she was honoured and grateful to be elected as the new leader by her party members.

"I don't take that trust lightly," she said.

"My focus now is firmly on what comes next — because Canberrans deserve better than the status quo.

"As seen in the latest budget, the Greens fought to scrap the $250 health levy, reinstate the rent relief fund, take climate action, protect our precious wildlife and bushland, and secure stable funding for the community organisations that hold our city together — and we won.

"But there is more to do. Canberrans want a government that will ensure housing is affordable, no one sleeps rough, the climate is protected, and the cost of living doesn't keep them up at night. And the Greens will keep fighting with everything we have."

Ms Clay also acknowledged Ms Vassarotti and her return to the party, saying she was "delighted" to have her back with the Greens as a member for Kurrajong.

Ms Vassarotti was only re-elected to the ACT Legislative Assembly this month in a countback by the electoral commission, filling the gap in the seat of Kurrajong left by Mr Rattenbury.

"Rebecca cares deeply about community and democratic collaboration," Ms Clay said.

"I look forward to working together with her to deliver progressive outcomes for Canberrans."

Along with selecting Ms Clay as party leader, members also elected Andrew Braddock as their new deputy leader.

Mr Braddock, a member for Yerrabi, said the ACT Greens were unique nationally in that members voted on who would lead the party.

"I'm incredibly proud that this vote was conducted in an overwhelmingly positive and supportive way," Mr Braddock said.

"Our members had a choice between two strong, experienced women to lead our party.

"That speaks volumes about who we are and where we're headed."

Mr Braddock said he was excited to stand alongside Ms Clay as deputy leader, and felt "really confident" about the party's future.

"While the formalities are being announced today, our party room is continuing to work together on bold solutions and make sure no Canberran is left behind," he said.