Former SNP leadership candidate defects to Alba

Former SNP leadership candidate Ash Regan has resigned from the party to join Alex Salmond's Alba party.

Alba said her decision came after increasing disillusionment with the SNP's leadership and its "wavering commitment" to Scottish independence.

Ms Regan, 49, was elected as SNP MSP for Edinburgh Eastern at the last election and becomes the Alba Party's first representative at Holyrood.

She came third in the SNP leadership contest won by Humza Yousaf in March.