Cat Boyd (born 1984) is a Scottish political activist, writer, and former political candidate. She rose to prominence as a leading figure in the Scottish independence movement, particularly through her role in the Radical Independence Campaign (RIC) during the 2014 Scottish independence referendum. Known for her left-wing views, she has been involved with various political parties and campaigns throughout her career.
Early Life and Education Born in Glasgow, Boyd studied history at the University of Glasgow. During her time at university, she became involved in political activism, particularly within the socialist movement.
Radical Independence Campaign (RIC) Boyd was a co-founder and prominent spokesperson for the Radical Independence Campaign, a grassroots organization that advocated for a "Yes" vote in the 2014 Scottish independence referendum from a left-wing, anti-austerity perspective. RIC sought to connect the independence question with broader issues of social justice, democracy, and economic equality. Her articulate and passionate advocacy made her a visible figure in the independence debate.
Political Affiliations and Candidacies Following the independence referendum, Boyd continued her political involvement:
- Scottish Socialist Party (SSP): She served as a co-spokesperson for the Scottish Socialist Party.
- Scottish Green Party: In the 2016 Scottish Parliament election, Boyd stood as a candidate for the Scottish Green Party on the Glasgow regional list. She was second on the list, but the party did not secure enough votes to elect her.
- Scottish Labour Party: In a notable shift, Boyd later joined the Scottish Labour Party and stood as a candidate for them in the 2017 UK general election in the Glasgow North West constituency. She was unsuccessful in unseating the incumbent Scottish National Party MP.
Journalism and Commentary Beyond direct political campaigning, Cat Boyd is also a regular columnist and commentator. She has written for a variety of publications, including The National, Common Weal, and Bella Caledonia, contributing articles on Scottish politics, independence, social justice, and contemporary issues. Her writing often reflects her socialist and pro-independence viewpoints.
Key Themes and Advocacy Boyd's political advocacy consistently focuses on themes such as:
- Scottish Independence: While advocating for independence, her arguments often stress the potential for a more socially just and democratic Scotland.
- Anti-Austerity: She is a strong critic of austerity measures and advocates for policies that address poverty and inequality.
- Workers' Rights: Boyd has been a vocal supporter of trade unions and workers' rights.
- Social Justice: Her work is rooted in a broader commitment to social justice and challenging systemic inequalities.
Cat Boyd remains an active voice in Scottish political discourse, contributing through her writing and continued engagement in debates surrounding Scotland's future.