Ash Regan calls Greens 'petulant' over office move concerns

Ash Regan defected from the SNP to the Alba Party, becoming the first MSP in the party led by Alex Salmond.

Ash Regan has accused the Scottish Greens of "petulance" after they raised concerns about her Holyrood office being re-located.

The MSP, who defected from the SNP to Alba, may move closer to the Greens as MSP offices are grouped by party.

The Greens have been vocal in their support of a system that allows people to self-identify their gender.

Ms Regan resigned as a government minister last year in order to vote against gender reform legislation.

She said her conscience would not allow her to support the plans.

• Former SNP leadership candidate defects to Alba

• SNP minister resigns over gender recognition plans

The bill aims to speed up the time it takes to obtain a gender recognition certificate (GRC) and drops the requirement for a medical diagnosis of gender dysphoria.

On Saturday Ms Regan became the first MSP in the party led by Alex Salmond.

The Scotsman first reported that Ms Regan's potential office move had caused unease amongst the Green group.

BBC Scotland News understands the issue has been raised with Holyrood's presiding officer and that Ms Regan visited offices on the same floor as Green MSPs this week.

'Apparent petulance'

A spokesperson for Ash Regan said "It is disappointing that constructive suggestions by the parliamentary authorities to make suitable office space available are being weaponised by the Greens.

"The allocation of office space, including where Ash Regan sits, is determined through collaboration with the parliamentary authorities, reflecting the independence and respect due to our national legislature — decisions that are not for the Greens to dictate."

They added: "This institution is the heart of our nation's democracy and should be treated with the respect it deserves by all parties.

"The apparent petulance exhibited is not in keeping with the conduct expected of elected members of the Scottish Parliament. It is incumbent upon us all to reflect on our responsibility to work collaboratively for the good of the people of Scotland."

A Scottish Parliament spokesperson said the Scottish Parliamentary Corporate Body has an obligation to provide office space and services to elected members.

They said it explores all options when a move is required.

"We wouldn't however comment upon or confirm whether representations had been made," the spokesperson said.

The Scottish Greens have been approached for comment.