Ash Regan, an independent MSP, was suspended for two days from Holyrood on Wednesday 7th and Thursday 8th of January 2026.
She was found to be in violation of the parliament’s code of conduct by the Holyrood standard committee following her social media post about Green MSP Maggie Chapman in April 2025.
Chapman, herself a member of Holyrood’s equalities committee, has been filmed at a rally criticising what she called “bigotry, prejudice and hatred” coming from UKSC, following the UK Supreme Court’s (UKSC) ruling on For Women Scotland v The Scottish Ministers (2025).
This ruling decided that the definition of woman is one defined by biological sex under equalities law.
Chapman’s statement led to significant criticism from fellow politicians, one of whom was Regan.
She posted on X a photo of a letter to Presiding Officer Alison Johnstone and the Standards Committee complaining about Chapman. The caption stated that Chapman’s comments were a “dangerous dismissal” and a “‘political attack’.”
However, the Parliamentary Code of Conduct bars MPs from publicly commenting on formal complaints while they are being considered.
In defence, Regan claimed that she had no intention of making a complaint and just thought that this was a matter that was “better left to … the public”.
The committee dismissed this line of argument because the letter and Regan’s emails to Presiding Officer Johnstone include statements such as “formally easing concerns” and “formal complaint.”
After a vote, the Standards Committee’s recommendation of suspending Regan for two sitting days was sent for parliamentary consideration and voting. After Parliament came back into session, Holyrood voted to suspend her, with 84 to 18 in favour.
During her suspension, Regan reposted on X support for her, captioning one with “#SalemStandards.”
“Ash Denham Appointment of Ministers” by Scottish Government is licensed under CC by 2.0