Analysis: Is the Green Party on the rise - and if so, why? By Chris Mason image captionCaroline Lucas and Sian Berry share a joke on the campaign trail The joy of a buffet of elections is being able to graze on the details that emerge beyond the main headlines - the political afters while most people are gorging on the main course. So, let's take a look at how the Green Party did in Thursday's polls. Or should I say, green parties. Others are poring over the pivotal role the Scottish Greens are likely to play in the coming years in the Scottish Parliament, given they serve up Nicola Sturgeon with a majority in favour of another independence referendum, which the SNP didn't manage on its own.