Ashten Regan
 Ash Regan      | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Born | 8 March 1974 |
| Alma mater | Keele University, Open University |
| Party | Alba Party |
Ashten Regan is a Scottish politician who was Minister for Community Safety from 2018 until 2022, when she stepped down in a protest over the Gender Recognition Reform (Scotland) Bill. A member of the Scottish National Party (SNP), Ash Regan has been the Member of the Scottish Parliament (MSP) for Edinburgh Eastern since 2016.[1]
On 18 February 2023, Ash Regan announced her candidacy for Leader of the SNP and First Minister of Scotland. The Telegraph reported:
- SNP leadership candidate Ash Regan has said she would unilaterally declare Scottish Independence if the party wins a majority of votes and seats north of the border in an election without a further referendum on the issue.[2]
The result of the 2023 Scottish National Party leadership election was announced on 27 March 2023. Humza Yousaf was elected with 24,336 first preference votes (48.2%), and 26,032 votes (52.1%) after third-placed candidate Ash Regan's second preferences were redistributed.[3]
On 28 October 2023, Ash Regan announced she was joining the Alba Party.[4]
Contents
Joining ALBA
| Ash Regan: ALBA's first MSP at Holyrood |
On 28 October 2023, Ash Regan resigned from the SNP to join the Alba Party, becoming the party's first MSP in the Scottish Parliament:
Ladies and Gentlemen, fellow Scots,
It’s good to be here.
You know, I had planned to stay put ... at home, for a weekend full of household repairs. But then it dawned on me, “What’s more important: Fixing a blocked drain, or coming here to help unblock Scotland’s path to independence?”
The reason I am standing here today is because I believe the SNP has strayed from the path to independence, and it’s time for ALBA to get Scotland back on track.
The wave of optimism sparked by the 2014 referendum swept many people into the YES movement; and me into the Scottish Parliament in 2016.
We really all thought it was only a matter of time.
Even after delay upon delay, I still stood for election again in Edinburgh Eastern in 2021, hoping the solemn promise that there would be a new independence referendum this year—2023—would be realised.
Now, instead of a referendum, the SNP leadership is calling for something called a “democratic effect” with a timescale of sometime, never. They will not even commit to a plebiscite poll at the next Scottish elections —they will only consider it!
Well if they were capable of reneging on a definite commitment to a referendum this year, what’s to stop them forgetting about a conditional commitment to an election poll in future years?
The position on Independence taken at the SNP Conference has not just let the YES movement down —it has let Scotland down.
No doubt my decision will anger some. There seems to be so much anger in the world today —including anger across the independence movement.
However, anger is easy; it’s a seductive trap. It provides temporary relief over the pain of feeling hurt and misled by those who have betrayed our trust.
Let’s stop numbing our pain with anger.
All it’s doing is making things worse.
We must all rise above it.
Let’s channel our collective energies into constructive action.
And when it comes to the online world —a place where anger often festers —let's replace vitriol with vision, and hashtags with handshakes.
Future generations will never forgive us if we let anger consume the independence cause. So, that anger stops today!
Right now, hope returns to the Scottish Independence movement!
Working together — across streets, across the country, and across parliaments — is what will refocus hearts and minds. It won’t be easy, but there is not much worthwhile in life that comes easy.
It’s not enough to talk about independence; we need a tangible plan. A plan that’s more than words —a plan that’s a sequence of actions leading to an independent Scotland.
At this conference, there will be a debate on the ALBA Party’s Independence and General Election strategy—I’m looking forward to seeing the outcome of it, and so should you!
Now, I’d like to speak directly to Yes voters watching at home, particularly to anyone feeling politically homeless right now — ALBA is ready to pick up the baton, and to do what’s needed to achieve Independence as a matter of urgency.
Not maybe/ hopefully/ sometime in the future!
BUT NOW! Because now is our time — Scotland’s time.
I sacrificed the claimed comforts of Ministerial Office on a matter of principle over the Gender Recognition Bill — like you I cannot and will not compromise on the rights or safety of women and girls.
I’m joining ALBA on principle also: that Independence cannot be a carrot deployed only to attract voters, during election times.
Independence is a material commitment that I was voted in to Parliament to progress and achieve. My solemn commitment to my constituents in Edinburgh Eastern, and the trust they put in me, can now only be served by the Saltire-blue principle, of the ALBA Party.
Conference…
I’m sure some in the SNP may well say that I should resign my seat. But why? I am staying true to my election pledge.
Can around 60 SNP MSPs really say the same? —That they have secured the “No Ifs, No Buts” referendum that was promised? —Or are even prepared to fight with others to secure an election mandate for independence at each and every election; starting now?
Perhaps it is the 60 who should resign their seats and explain themselves to the people?
So, my message today to anyone feeling politically despondent —is re-commit to Scotland’s cause! And come and join ‘Team Independence’ in the ALBA Party!
And to voters —trust us to deliver what you have voted for —which is: Politicians to get on with, and deliver Independence.
Lastly, let us remember… Independence isn’t our end goal; it will be Scotland’s new beginning.
Imagine a Scotland that leads, not follows. A Scotland that leads the way in living standards, economic resilience, and innovation. The nation that invented the modern world could surely end poverty in our own country.
So here we are, united in purpose, but let’s also be united in action. For the sake of every Scot who dreams of what we can be, let’s turn those dreams into plans… and plans into action.
I am proud to become, as of today, the first ever ALBA Member of the Scottish Parliament. Our task is to make me the first of many…
Let’s get to work!
Thank you.[5]
SNP leadership campaign
| Uniting the SNP leading to Independence |
On 24 February 2023, Ash Regan launched her leadership campaign:
- "Today, I officially launched my campaign to be the next leader of the Scottish National Party.
- "With a clear vision for a brighter future for Scotland, I am ready to unite our party and lead us towards Independence, good governance, and a Scotland that is welcoming and open to all.
Independence Convention
In her speech launching her campaign to be First Minister of Scotland, Ash Regan said:
- "This morning I have sent a letter to all the independence groups notifying them of my intention to establish an Independence Convention on day 1 of my leadership.
- "I will unite the movement and ready our country for Independence."
On 7 March 2023, Alex Salmond tweeted:
- Happy to confirm that I was called today by @AshReganSNP on ALBA participation in an Independence Convention and we are delighted to say Yes.[7]
- All parties were called today, including the @scottishgreens – message left, still awaiting a call back. Everyone else enthusiastic.[8]
- Oooh, Ash Regan says she spoke to all the pro-indy parties leaders today - which includes Alex Salmond (who shares a remarkable number of her policies) and they are "excited" by her plans. Wonder if the Greens were involved? Did @patrickharvie and @lornaslater get calls?[9]
Background
Ash Regan was born in Glasgow, where her mother and father owned a kilt shop on Sauchiehall Street. Regan attended primary school in Scotland before her family moved to England, growing up in Biggar, Cumbria and later Devon, where Regan attended a sixth form college.
Education
Ash Regan attended Keele University in England from 1992 to 1995, gaining a Bachelor of Arts in International Relations. She was writer for Concourse magazine, a student newspaper of the Keele University Students' Union. She earned a diploma in public relations at the London School of Public Relations. In 2007, Regan studied Development Management at the Open University, gaining a Master of Science in 2012.
Scottish politics
Following the defeat of the Yes Scotland campaign in the referendum, Regan joined the Scottish National Party. In August 2015, she was selected as the SNP candidate for the Edinburgh Eastern constituency in the upcoming 2016 Scottish Parliament elections after the incumbent MSP Kenny MacAskill, had announced in June that he would not stand for re-election. She was elected, defeating the Leader of the Scottish Labour Party Kezia Dugdale.
In June 2016, Regan was appointed as Parliamentary Liaison Officer to the Cabinet Secretary for Culture, Tourism and External Affairs. She was a member of the Economy, Jobs and Fair Work Committee and the Finance and Constitution Committee. In November 2017, she was moved from the Economy, Jobs and Fair Work committee to the Health and Sport Committee, where she was appointed deputy convener.
On 27 June 2018, First Minister Nicola Sturgeon announced that she would perform a cabinet reshuffle of her second government. Sturgeon appointed Regan as the Minister for Community Safety, succeeding Annabelle Ewing.
In April 2019, Regan was one of 15 SNP politicians who signed a public letter calling on the Scottish government to delay reform to the Gender Recognition Act, which would make it easier for transgender people to legally change their gender. Later that month, an exchange was leaked between Regan and fellow SNP MSPs Gillian Martin and Ruth Maguire, where they expressed frustration at Nicola Sturgeon and claimed she was out of step with the SNP group.
In June 2019, it was reported that a number of her ex-employees received pay-offs worth thousands of pounds and some signed non-disclosure agreements.[10]
In the 2021 Scottish elections, Regan was re-elected, this time increasing her vote share by more than 8,000. Sturgeon reappointed Regan as Community Safety Minister in the third Sturgeon government.
On 27 October 2022 Ash Regan resigned, citing concerns over the Scottish Government's support for the Gender Recognition Reform Bill. Elena Whitham succeeded her as Minister for Community Safety in November, subject to parliamentary approval.
Personal life
Ash Regan has twin boys. She is divorced, and was previously known as Ash Denham.[11]
Related Document
| Title | Type | Publication date | Author(s) | Description |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Document:The beginning of the end | blog post | 27 March 2023 | Stuart Campbell | "I don't think there's any chance Humza Yousaf has won the SNP leadership election legitimately. But this morning I'm deeply worried that those still controlling the party have absolutely nothing left to lose by fixing it in his favour." |
References
- ↑ "SNP Minister Ash Regan resigns over Scottish Government gender recognition reforms"
- ↑ "SNP’s Ash Regan threatens to declare Scottish independence without a referendum"
- ↑ "SNP told it's courting 'disaster' if it dismisses gender bill concerns"
- ↑ "Ash Regan MSP Resigns from SNP, Joins ALBA as Holyrood Leader"
- ↑ "Ash Regan MSP Joins ALBA - Full Speech"
- ↑ "Ash Regan unites SNP and independence movement at campaign launch"
- ↑ "ALBA says Yes to Ash Regan's Independence Convention"
- ↑ "All parties were called today about the Independence Convention"
- ↑ "Ash Regan says she spoke to all the pro-indy parties leaders today"
- ↑ "Ex-staff of SNP MSP Ash Denham handed thousands of pounds in exit payments"
- ↑ "Ash Regan Edinburgh Eastern"
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