Ash Regan (formerly Denham) is currently an Independent Member of the Scottish Parliament (MSP) for Edinburgh Eastern, having previously served as a government minister and the parliamentary leader of the Alba Party. As of February 2026, she is one of the most significant independent voices in Holyrood, recently dominating headlines with her landmark “Unbuyable” Prostitution Bill. Regan is best known for her principled resignation from the Scottish Government in 2022 over the Gender Recognition Reform (GRR) Bill—the first ministerial resignation over policy since the SNP took power in 2007—and her subsequent high-profile defections that have redrawn the lines of Scottish nationalism.
This mega-guide provides an exhaustive look at Ash Regan’s career, policy platforms, and future ambitions. From her roots in the “Women for Independence” movement to the dramatic parliamentary vote of February 2026, this is the definitive resource for understanding the politician who refuses to toe the party line.
Early Life and Professional Roots
Before entering the bruising arena of Holyrood, Ash Regan built a career defined by advocacy and communication. Her background is distinct from the “career politician” archetype, informing her often pragmatic approach to legislation.
From Biggar to Devon
Born Sarah Jane Regan in 1974 in Biggar, South Lanarkshire, she grew up in a mixed religious household (Catholic father, Protestant mother). At the age of 10, her family moved to Devon, England. It was here, at age 15, that she changed her forename to Ashten (shortened to Ash) to distinguish herself from a classmate.
- Education: She was the first in her family to attend university, studying International Relations at Keele University.
- London Years: After graduating, she worked in public relations in London for nearly a decade, honing the messaging skills that would later serve her in political campaigns.
Return to Scotland and Activism
Regan returned to Scotland in 2003. Her political awakening did not occur until the run-up to the 2014 Independence Referendum.
- Common Weal: She became the Head of Campaigns and Advocacy for the Common Weal, a left-wing pro-independence think tank. This role connected her with the intellectual engine of the “Yes” movement.
- Women for Independence: Regan was a committee member of this grassroots organization, which sought to engage women in the constitutional debate. This experience laid the foundation for her later focus on women’s rights and sex-based protections.
The SNP Years (2016–2022)
Ash Regan’s rise within the Scottish National Party (SNP) was rapid. She moved from activist to government minister in just two years.
The “Giant Killer” of 2016
In the 2016 Scottish Parliament election, Regan was selected to contest the Edinburgh Eastern constituency. The seat was held by Kezia Dugdale, the then-leader of Scottish Labour. In a shock result that symbolized Labour’s decline in Scotland, Regan defeated Dugdale by over 5,000 votes. She was re-elected in 2021 with an increased majority, solidifying her personal popularity in the constituency.
Minister for Community Safety
In 2018, First Minister Nicola Sturgeon appointed Regan as Minister for Community Safety. Her portfolio covered fire and rescue services, legal aid, and anti-social behavior.
- The Fireworks Act: Her most significant legislative achievement in government was the Fireworks and Pyrotechnic Articles (Scotland) Act 2022. Facing immense public pressure due to anti-social behavior on Bonfire Night, Regan steered this bill through parliament rapidly. It introduced a licensing system for purchasing fireworks and created “Firework Control Zones,” demonstrating her ability to deliver complex regulatory frameworks under pressure.
The Defining Resignation (2022)
October 27, 2022, marked the turning point in Ash Regan’s career.
The Gender Recognition Reform (GRR) Controversy
The Scottish Government’s GRR Bill sought to allow trans people to obtain a Gender Recognition Certificate through self-identification, removing the need for a medical diagnosis. Regan raised internal concerns about the bill’s impact on women’s privacy and safety in single-sex spaces.
- The Ultimatum: When it became clear the government would whip the vote (force MSPs to vote for it), Regan chose conscience over career.
- The Letter: In a terse resignation letter to Nicola Sturgeon, she wrote: “My conscience will not allow me to vote with the government at the Stage 1 of the Bill… I have concluded that my conscience will not allow me to vote with the government.”
Impact
Regan was the first SNP minister ever to resign over government policy. Her departure shattered the image of SNP unity and emboldened other rebels (nine SNP MSPs eventually defied the whip). It positioned her as the figurehead of the “gender critical” faction within the independence movement.
The Leadership Bid (2023)
Following Nicola Sturgeon’s shock resignation in early 2023, Regan announced her candidacy for the SNP leadership.
The Platform
Regan ran as the “independence fundamentalist” candidate.
- Voter Empowerment Mechanism (VEM): She proposed that every election should be treated as a de facto referendum. If pro-independence parties won a majority of votes, she argued, this should trigger immediate negotiations for independence.
- Reuniting the Movement: She promised to bring the wider “Yes” movement (including Alba voters) back into the fold, criticizing the SNP’s “closed shop” mentality.
The Result
Regan finished third, receiving 11.1% of the vote. While she lost to Humza Yousaf (and Kate Forbes came second), her candidacy forced the issue of alternative independence strategies onto the main stage.
The Alba Party Interlude (2023–2025)
In October 2023, Ash Regan defected to the Alba Party, led by former First Minister Alex Salmond.
A Historic Defection
Her move made her Alba’s first-ever MSP. She was immediately appointed as the party’s leader at Holyrood.
- Rationale: She cited the SNP’s loss of focus on independence and the competence of the Scottish Government as her reasons. She argued Alba was the only party treating independence with urgency.
- Role: For two years, she gave Alba a voice in First Minister’s Questions, challenging Humza Yousaf and later John Swinney on independence strategy and the Grangemouth refinery closure.
Resignation from Alba
In October 2025, following the sudden death of Alex Salmond and the subsequent leadership of Kenny MacAskill, Regan resigned from Alba.
- Reasons: She stated a desire to sit as an Independent to focus specifically on her private member’s bill on prostitution. However, insiders suggested strategic differences with the new Alba leadership regarding the 2026 election approach also played a role.
The 2026 Prostitution Bill
As of early 2026, Ash Regan’s political capital has been invested almost entirely in the Prostitution (Offences and Support) (Scotland) Bill.
The “Unbuyable” Principle
The bill proposed adopting the Nordic Model (also known as the Abolitionist Model) in Scotland.
- Decriminalize Selling: Those selling sex (mostly women) would no longer face criminal sanctions, viewing them as victims of exploitation.
- Criminalize Buying: The purchase of sex would become a criminal offense, shifting the legal burden onto the “punters” (buyers).
- Exit Support: The bill mandated statutory support services to help people exit prostitution.
The Feb 3, 2026 Vote
On February 3, 2026, the bill faced its Stage 1 vote in Holyrood.
- The Result: The bill was defeated by 64 votes to 54.
- The Rebels: Despite the defeat, the vote was significant. Six SNP MSPs (including Michelle Thomson and Ruth Maguire) broke the party whip to vote for Regan’s bill. The Conservatives and Labour largely supported the general principles, but the Scottish Greens and Liberal Democrats opposed it, arguing it would drive sex work underground and endanger workers.
- Government Stance: The Scottish Government voted against it, arguing there was “insufficient time” left in the parliamentary session to amend the bill effectively—a reasoning Regan blasted as “cowardice.”
Political Ideology and Positions
Ash Regan occupies a unique space in Scottish politics, blending left-wing economics with social conservatism on gender.
Independence Strategy
Regan believes the “Section 30” route (asking Westminster for permission to hold a referendum) is a dead end. She advocates for utilizing the outcome of general elections as a mandate for independence, a position that aligns her with the “fundamentalist” wing of the movement.
Gender Critical Feminism
She is a staunch defender of sex-based rights. She argues that self-identification for trans people undermines protections for women in prisons, changing rooms, and sports. This stance has garnered her significant support from groups like “For Women Scotland” but hostility from LGBTQ+ advocacy groups.
Economic Pragmatism
Drawing on her Common Weal roots, she supports a “wellbeing economy” but has increasingly criticized the Green influence on the SNP government. She opposed the deposit return scheme (DRS) in its final form and has called for a pause on the ban on wood-burning stoves, citing the impact on rural communities.
Edinburgh Eastern Constituency Profile
Despite her high-profile national interventions, Regan remains a constituency MSP.
- The Area: Edinburgh Eastern covers diverse neighborhoods, from the affluent seaside town of Portobello to the historic working-class area of Craigmillar.
- Local Issues: Key constituency issues include the gentrification of Portobello, the regeneration of Niddrie, and the protection of Holyrood Park.
- Electoral History:
- 2016: Elected (SNP) with 47.3% vote share.
- 2021: Re-elected (SNP) with 52.4% vote share.
- 2026 Prospects: Standing as an Independent in a constituency is notoriously difficult. Without the SNP machine, she faces a steep uphill battle to retain her seat against Labour and SNP challengers.
Practical Information and Planning
Visiting the Scottish Parliament
You can watch Ash Regan in action in the debating chamber.
- Public Gallery: Open to the public on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays. Tickets are free.
- First Minister’s Questions (FMQs): Held on Thursdays at 12:00 pm. This is the busiest time; book tickets weeks in advance.
- Location: Bottom of the Royal Mile, opposite Holyrood Palace.
Contacting Ash Regan
- Email: Ash.Regan.MSP@parliament.scot
- Constituency Office: Located in Portobello (check website for specific address as it may change with independent status).
- Surgeries: She holds regular surgeries for constituents. Appointments must be booked via email.
Tips for Constituents
- Case Work: If you live in Edinburgh Eastern, Ash Regan is still your representative for issues like housing, health, and transport, regardless of her party status.
- Social Media: She is highly active on X (Twitter). Follow her for real-time updates on her legislative amendments.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Is Ash Regan currently in the SNP? No. She left the SNP in October 2023. As of February 2026, she sits as an Independent MSP.
2. Did Ash Regan’s Prostitution Bill pass? No. The Prostitution (Offences and Support) (Scotland) Bill was voted down at Stage 1 on February 3, 2026. However, it secured significant support from opposition parties and SNP rebels.
3. Why did Ash Regan leave the Alba Party? She resigned from Alba in October 2025. She stated she wanted to focus on her member’s bill as an independent, though political analysts suggest the death of Alex Salmond and the party’s subsequent direction under Kenny MacAskill influenced her decision.
4. What is the Nordic Model regarding prostitution? It is a legal framework that decriminalizes the selling of sex (to protect the exploited) but criminalizes the buying of sex (to reduce demand). This was the core of Regan’s 2026 bill.
5. Was Ash Regan a minister? Yes. She served as the Minister for Community Safety from June 2018 until her resignation in October 2022.
6. Why was Ash Regan suspended from Parliament in 2026? In January 2026, she received a two-day suspension from the Standards Committee regarding a social media post involving Green MSP Maggie Chapman and a court case involving “For Women Scotland.” The committee ruled the post breached the Code of Conduct.
7. Is Ash Regan standing in the 2026 election? Yes. She has declared her intention to stand as an Independent candidate for the Edinburgh and Lothians East region.
8. How did she vote on the Hate Crime Act? As a minister at the time, she voted for the Hate Crime and Public Order (Scotland) Act 2021, a point her critics often raise given her later focus on free speech. She has since argued that the implementation of the Act has drifted from its original intent.
9. What is the “Voter Empowerment Mechanism”? This was Regan’s flagship policy during the SNP leadership contest. It proposed using every election (Holyrood or Westminster) as a mandate for independence: if pro-independence parties won 50%+1 of the vote, negotiations for exit would begin immediately.
10. Who replaced Ash Regan as Minister? She was succeeded by Elena Whitham in 2022. The current minister covering the brief (as of 2026) is Siobhian Brown.
11. Does Ash Regan support the Cass Review? Yes. She has called for the full implementation of the Cass Review recommendations in Scotland, advocating for a pause on prescribing puberty blockers to minors.
12. What was the “Wee Blue Book”? This is often confused with Wings Over Scotland. Ash Regan was not the author of the Wee Blue Book (that was Stuart Campbell), but she was a key figure in the wider 2014 “Yes” campaign infrastructure that utilized such materials.
13. Where did Ash Regan study? She holds a BA in International Relations from Keele University and an MSc in Development Management from the Open University.
14. Is Ash Regan a “TERF”? “TERF” (Trans-Exclusionary Radical Feminist) is a term often used by her critics. Regan rejects the slur, describing herself as “gender critical” and a defender of women’s sex-based rights.
15. Can an Independent MSP pass laws? Yes, but it is very difficult. They must secure support from major parties. Regan’s Fireworks Act passed because she was a Minister; her Prostitution Bill failed because, as an Independent, she lacked the government machinery to whip votes in her favor.
Ash Regan MSP Defection Statement
This video provides context on her political journey, featuring commentary on her departure from Alba, which set the stage for her independent run in 2026.
