As the sole representative for Alba, the former SNP minister Ash Regan has quit to focus on the Prostitution Bill.
After losing the SNP leadership race in 2023 to Humza Yousaf and Kate Forbes, Regan defected to the rival independence party in Scotland, The Alba Party.
As the only MSP for Alba, her resignation does not come as a shock to Alba’s campaigners and members, who recounted that her involvement in the party has been sidelined since the leadership votes in March of this year.
Regan’s focus has prioritised three main concepts: “ advance independence, protect women and children, and deliver a competent government for Scotland”.
Regan believes the best way to do this is outside Alba as the Prostitution Bill advances. Acting as an independent MSP gives her the freedom to focus on her aforementioned priorities.
The Prostitution Bill seeks to decriminalise those who sell sex and criminalise those who seek sexual services in order to reduce the demand for this trade.
When asked for a comment, Edinburgh University’s Yes Society believed Regan was “taking the wrong approach towards trans women and sex workers”, advocating that her protection of women’s rights excluded those of trans women.
The Yes Society added, “Opposing Scotland’s Gender Reform Bill in 2022, Ash Regan’s opinions towards the trans community have not always been received positively. The Yes Society aims to create an inclusive environment throughout the YES movement.”
“21 December 2022 Holyrood protest – Ash Regan” by kaysgeog is licensed under CC BY 2.0.