Ash Regan MSP quits Alba Party

Ash Regan has quit the Alba Party, leaving it without a single MSP.

The former SNP community justice minister defected to Alba two years ago, becoming its sole representative in Holyrood.

She will now serve the remainder of her term as an independent candidate, leaving Alba without a voice in the Scottish Parliament.

The move comes months after Regan lost out in the party’s leadership race to Kenny MacAskill, who also covered the justice brief for the SNP earlier in his career.

The contest was called following the death of founder Alex Salmond, who Regan says convinced her to join.

In a letter passed to broadcaster LBC, Regan thanked Alba members for their support during her time with the party.

She said she would now focus on her 'Unbuyable' bill, which seeks to criminalise the purchase of sex, drive down demand for the illicit trade and decriminalise those who sell sex.

Edinburgh Eastern MSP Regan was seen as Alba’s best hope for a Holyrood seat in 2026. It is understood that she will now seek reelection as an independent.

Prior to joining Alba, Regan stood for the SNP leadership in the wake of Nicola Sturgeon's resignation. She came third in the contest and has since challenged the Scottish Government on a range of matters from child safeguarding to independence strategy.

In a letter to Alba members, she said the outcome of the leadership contest had “clarified” her thinking.

In a statement to the media, Regan said: “To confirm, today I have formally resigned from the Alba Party. 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.

“With my Unbuyable bill entering a crucial stage, it’s clear that I can best focus on those goals as an independent MSP. I am grateful to the many Alba members and campaigners who have supported me, particularly the women who have stood with me for years.

“Public office is a privilege, not a possession. My full focus now is on building cross-party support to pass Unbuyable into law before the end of this parliamentary session. I will be making no further statements at this time.”