MSP Ash Regan quits Alba to focus on prostitution bill

Ash Regan has resigned from the Alba Party almost two years after defecting from the SNP

MSP Ash Regan has resigned from the Alba party in order to "focus" on her efforts to criminalise paying for sexual services.

The former SNP leadership contender defected to Alba two years ago.

She was defeated in another ballot for the Alba leadership earlier this year and said she now wants to put her energy into passing the Prostitution (Offences and Support) (Scotland) Bill as an independent MSP.

An Alba spokesperson said Regan had "not taken an active role" within the party since the leadership vote.

In a statement, Regan said her "priorities and principles" remained the same from her first steps into political life.

But she said it was "clear" she could "best focus her goals" of passing the legislation outside of the Alba party.

The law, referred to by Regan as the "Unbuyable Bill," would mimic the "Nordic model" in making it an offence to pay for sexual services.

She said: "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."

Regan added: "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."

Regan has represented the Edinburgh Eastern constituency since 2016.

She left the SNP in October 2023, citing disillusionment with the party's leadership.

She also claimed the party had "wavered" in his commitment to Scottish independence.

Regan, who finished third behind Humza Yousaf and Kate Forbes in the 2023 SNP leadership vote, quit as community safety minister in 2022 over the government's support for the gender recognition reform bill.

'Not unexpected'

In joining Alba, she became the party's first sitting member of the Scottish Parliament.

She stood for leadership of the party in March this year, following the sudden death of founder and former first minister Salmond in October 2024.

However, she was narrowly defeated by MacAskill in the ballot.

A spokesperson for the party said it was "not unexpected" that she had chosen to leave the party having not entered selection for next year's vote.

They added she had "not taken an active role" within the party since the leadership vote.

The party said: "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 Alba Party thanks her for her contribution in the Scottish Parliament on behalf of the party.

"We wish her every personal happiness for the future."