Full Breakdown
Ash Regan Resigns from Alba Party Amid Concerns Over Direction
10/10/2025, 8:15:35 PM
Departure from Alba Party
Ash Regan, the sole Member of the Scottish Parliament (MSP) for the Alba Party, has announced her resignation, citing concerns about the party's direction following the death of its founder, Alex Salmond. Regan, who previously served as a community justice minister under the Scottish National Party (SNP), will now sit as an independent MSP until the next Holyrood election in May 2024. Her departure leaves the Alba Party without representation in the Scottish Parliament.
Background and Context
Regan joined the Alba Party in October 2023 after leaving the SNP, where she had expressed disillusionment with the party's leadership and its approach to Scottish independence. She was persuaded to join Alba by Salmond, who envisioned a strategy for the 2026 elections. However, after Salmond's passing nearly a year ago, internal conflicts within the party intensified, particularly following Regan's defeat in the Alba leadership contest against Kenny MacAskill earlier this year.
Key Statements from Ash Regan
In her resignation letter, Regan expressed gratitude to Alba members for their support but indicated that the party had "chosen a different path" regarding her legislative priorities, particularly her "Unbuyable Bill," which aims to criminalize the purchase of sex while decriminalizing those who sell it. She stated, “My priorities and principles remain exactly as they were when I entered politics - to advance independence, protect women and children, and deliver competent government for Scotland.”
Official Responses
An Alba Party spokesperson acknowledged Regan's contributions, stating, “It is never easy to leave a political party you have been a part of. Ash has rightly earned respect within and beyond the Alba Party for the fearless way in which she has championed the rights of women.” The spokesperson noted that her decision was not unexpected, as Regan had not participated in the selection process for the upcoming elections and had taken a less active role in the party since the leadership vote.
Criticism and Opposition
Regan's resignation has drawn mixed reactions from political opponents. Scottish Labour Deputy Leader Jackie Baillie remarked that her departure is indicative of the "chaos consuming the nationalist movement," while Scottish Conservative Deputy Leader Rachael Hamilton highlighted the internal strife within both the SNP and Alba, suggesting that these parties are more focused on infighting than addressing pressing issues facing Scotland.
What's Next for Ash Regan
As she transitions to an independent role, Regan aims to concentrate on advancing her "Unbuyable Bill" through the Scottish Parliament. She emphasized her commitment to building cross-party support for the legislation before the end of the current parliamentary session. Regan's future political endeavors will be closely watched, particularly as she seeks re-election in her Edinburgh Eastern constituency without party affiliation.
Conclusion
Ash Regan's resignation from the Alba Party marks a significant shift in the party's dynamics and raises questions about its future viability in Scottish politics. Her departure underscores the ongoing challenges faced by nationalist parties in Scotland, particularly in the wake of leadership changes and internal divisions.
