Ash Regan

Regan is third candidate to be Scotland's first minister, with Kate Forbes and Humza Yousaf.

And that sense of sovereignty, the importance of a democratic voice. The original protocol – signed by Boris Johnson in 2020 – was designed to prevent a hard border with Ireland after Brexit. The prime minister Rishi Sunak was said to have held a “positive” call over the Northern Ireland Protocol with the EU’s Ursula von der Leyen. He was knighted in her resignation honours and wrote a book, Kill The Messenger, about his life in No 10. Kate hasn’t just jeopardised a lot of activists and members, she has alienated swathes of the population before she’s even started. We want to resolve this dispute in the interests of teachers and children’s education. To the wider world, he is known as Margaret Thatcher’s chief press secretary, a formidable operator in the political and Whitehall jungles. Unusually, Downing Street declined to set out Sunak’s plans for the weekend, only saying that he was working in No 10 on Friday. The only reason Gillian Keegan has come to the table at all is because of the NEU’s successful ballot result. The three candidates to succeed Nicola Sturgeon as Scottish first minister and SNP leader were officially announced. The PA news agency reports that Tory MPs have received a three-line whip for Monday, meaning they must be in the Commons. But Downing Street has said “intensive discussions” with the EU are still going on.

The independence movement has been divided by “petty differences and personal agendas”, SNP leadership candidate Ash Regan has said as she officially ...

I want to get the band back together, if you like.” “I think I’m the only candidate on the slate that’s credible on some of the top issues that have been a problem for the SNP recently, that can draw a line under this so that we can all move forward together, because we need to do that for the betterment of the country.” “I think everyone, the kids in the playground, can see that there have been some issues in the SNP of late,” she said.

Ash Regan is the latest MSP to launch a bid for the SNP leadership. The former Holyrood minister, who quit Nicola Sturgeon's government over gender ...

She trails in all polling and bookmaker odds, but Ash Regan will be hoping that talking tough about Westminster and promising to move the party past divisions over gender is enough to shift opinion in her favour. Regan has also clinched the support of Joanna Cherry, the SNP MP and KC, who introduced her this morning. She also asserted that the international community would recognise Scotland as independent and that the UK Government would too, eventually. Regan also undertook to work with all factions and parties on the nationalist side of politics. It was barred by Alister Jack, the Secretary of State for Scotland, under Section 35 of the Scotland Act, which allows Westminster to stall a Holyrood law that could force legal changes on the UK as a whole. Ash Regan is the latest MSP to launch a bid for the SNP leadership.

Regan said a majority for independence-supporting parties at an election should be enough to trigger negotiations with the UK Government. And she said she would ...

We are not going to achieve our aims as a political party that wants self-governance for Scotland if we are all fighting each other." I would not be comfortable taking on a court case - which we would lose, by the way - that's going to cost us hundreds of thousands of pounds of taxpayers' money to progress something that the Scottish people don't want. She said: "Under my leadership, we will not be challenging the section 35 order in the Supreme Court. "I'm reflecting public opinion here. She said: "The country is completely against it but there is also the cost to the taxpayer to consider. Styling herself as the candidate "for change, not continuity", she said she would not go to court to stop the UK Government from blocking Holyrood's gender reforms.

SNP leadership candidate Ash Regan has said that the party has stopped listening to the grassroots independence movement which came together to fight the ...

I want to get the band back together, if you like.” “As a party, I don’t think we’ve listened enough to the groups who got us here. [The Herald's exclusive interview with Ash Regan](https://www.heraldscotland.com/politics/viewpoint/23343419.ill-hand-independence-back-yes-movement---vows-ash-regan/)

The former community safety minister said she was willing to terminate the Bute House agreement over her plans for North Sea oil fields.

“I think it is very clear that Scotland wants to go in a different direction. “We would have to have a grown-up conversation. “I have put out that message that I want to work with all of the pro-independence parties.

The MSP, who quit Nicola Sturgeon's government to vote against gender reforms, told her campaign launch that Scotland 'does not have to ask permission' to ...

Sign up to our daily newsletter I will hand Independence back to the people, where it belongs." Scottish Tory Constitution spokesman Donald Cameron blasted Ms Regan. "We must move on from the Growth Commission, as too much has changed. Seen as a no-hoper in the leadership race, her only political support so far has been from Joanna Cherry who introduced her. And despite her "independence convention" idea being coined first by Alex Salmond and the Alba Party, she claimed that she had not spoken to him in a week, and that he was not the mastermind behind her campaign. "It will be a clear declaration from the people of Scotland about their intentions and I'm sure that this will be regarded well by the international community." She said: "The voter empowerment strategy is designed to give independence back to the people of Scotland and to let them decide when they are ready for Scotland to become an independent country. "This has got nothing to do with the UK Government, and Scotland is not going to be asking anyone's permission to become self-governing. [SNP leadership ](https://www.scottishdailyexpress.co.uk/all-about/snp-leadership-contest)contender [Ash Regan ](https://www.scottishdailyexpress.co.uk/all-about/ash-regan)claimed that independence has "nothing to do with the UK Government" as she dismissed both the Supreme Court ruling and the Scotland Act that says the constitution is reserved to Westminster. "This is the ‘Voter Empowerment Mechanism’, and it is designed to let the people of Scotland decide when they are ready. And she also said that Scotland "does not have to ask permission" to leave the United Kingdom as she ramped up her bid to take over from Nicola Sturgeon as First Minister.

Candidate to become SNP leader and first minister also pledges to scrap gender recognition reform bill in campaign launch.

Without them, the SNP would be one vote short of a majority. “So it’s for the Greens to decide what they want to do next. A number of opinion polls show it is disliked by voters, which suggests the SNP would fail to win an election if that was the central theme of its campaign. Since opinion polls show a lack of consistent majority support for independence, with the no vote currently in the lead, Yousaf argues independence can only be gained through a legally secure route. The Spanish government has repeatedly said it would only recognise a legally founded referendum supported by the UK government. We need to sit down with them, have a conversation and see where that goes.”

Edinburgh Eastern MSP Ash Regan is in the race to replace Nicola Sturgeon as First Minister.

And after the latest delay to the upgrading of the A9, she tweeted: “The dualling of the A9 must be accelerated & A96 must commence without delay. This offers the best chance of securing the endorsement of the international community for us to open negotiations directly without a referendum.” She told STV: “I just want to put out a call for calm with everything that has happened over the past few days.” We need these completed to release the full economic potential of the NE and Highlands and to connect communities. She made clear she believed a majority vote for the SNP in a Holyrood or Westminster election should be taken as a mandate for independence: "50%+1 of combined votes from pro-independence parties in any WM or HR election is a clear instruction from the electorate that we commence withdrawal negotiations from the U.K. She joined the SNP in the wake of the referendum and In August 2015 she was selected as SNP candidate for Edinburgh Eastern at the following year’s Scottish Parliament elections after sitting MSP Launching her leadership campaign, she said: “Women’s rights will never be compromised with me.” And she indicated that, following the UK Government veto, she would allow the legislation to drop. And she was kept in the post after the 2021 elections. “I would not be progressing the GRR Bill, it’s caused a lot of division, it’s extremely flawed and I wouldn’t want it to take up any more time.” In 2019, Ash Regan was one of 15 SNP politicians who urged ministers to delay the controversial gender reform legislation designed to make it easier for transgender people to legally change their gender. And that issue will be a key part of her leadership campaign as she pledges not to pursue a legal challenge to the UK Government’s use of a Section 35 order to stop the Bill passed at Holyrood from becoming law. But Ms Regan also has a bullish stance on independence, arguing that with UK governments refusing to allow a referendum, the SNP should take a majority of votes at an election as a mandate to start negotiations.

The former Cabinet Minister said that it was time to move on from controversial Self-ID legislation.

“Kate has been an excellent minister for several years, during which we all knew about her religious beliefs. “A clear and decisive majority of the Scottish people disagree with self-id. [The Herald's exclusive interview with Ash Regan](https://www.heraldscotland.com/politics/viewpoint/23343419.ill-hand-independence-back-yes-movement---vows-ash-regan/)

Good morning everyone, and thank you for joining me at this incredible venue for the launch of my campaign to be the next leader of the Scottish National Party.

Trinity Decorating Services, the Edinburgh-based painting and decorating company, is looking to double its workforce to meet growing demand in the city. The City of Edinburgh Council has set its budget for the year ahead after wrestling with a £79 million gap in funding. This funding added to the £26.7 million already raised, with additional monies pledged since… The company was formed in 1995 and acquired by businessmen… Jacob Blaney also has a new two year deal with the club and will join League Two side Stenhousemuir on loan until summer 2023. It opened with the First Minister reassuring any Ukrainians… Hibs goalie, 18-year-old Murray Johnson, now has a long term deal with the club. Murray’s Community Hero Award is designed to recognise those individuals and organisations who go above and beyond for their community. Leader build teams, and I am very confident that in Ash Regan we will have someone who can build a bigger team.” He frequently puts out a call out for nominations from the community and then chooses… We believe in the power of our communities, and we are committed to working with them to build a better future for ourselves and our children. We believe in the independence of our country, and we are committed to achieving it in a way that is fair, inclusive, and just for all.

Ash Regan says Peter Murrell's role is a "clear conflict of interest" as she formally launches her leadership campaign.

I want to get the band back together, if you like." I believe they will, yes." She added: "I am committed to a just transition, I want to be really clear about that, but I think we need to recognise how many people in Scotland, how many communities, are supported by the people who work in the oil and gas industry. [greenhouse gas emissions to net zero by 2045](https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-55332761), five years ahead of the [date set for the UK as a whole](https://www.gov.uk/government/news/uk-becomes-first-major-economy-to-pass-net-zero-emissions-law). She said: "The UK government will listen to a clear instruction from the electorate of Scotland. Ms Regan said: "Our campaign is built on hope, optimism and a belief in the power of our people. The ex-minister also said she had raised concerns with the party over what she described as a "lack of transparency in the process". I don't think it's appropriate. Asked by BBC Scotland if she thought the leadership contest was fair, Ms Regan replied: "I think there is a clear conflict of interest in having the former leader running the contest." [loan of more than £100,000](https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-scotland-politics-63973961) to the SNP to help it out with a "cash flow" issue after the last election. "I think the fact that Peter Murrell is running this contest to replace Nicola Sturgeon is a clear conflict of interest." Ms Regan said: "I think this situation that we've got ourselves into, where you've got a party leader who's married to the chief executive of the party, I don't think we would accept that in a corporate setting.

Kate Forbes, Ash Regan and Humza Yousaf are competing to succeed Nicola Sturgeon as SNP leader and first minister.

Mr Yousaf has faced criticism over the state of the NHS, particularly waiting times in Scotland's hospitals. Ash Regan launched her campaign in a room with a view. Only 5% said they thought that the new leader's faith or personal beliefs were important. Ms Regan, who quit as community safety minister over the government's gender recognition reforms, has said she supports gay marriage and has called for an end to "mudslinging" in the leadership contest. He said the purpose of the meeting was to discuss the case of a Scottish citizen on death row with the Pakistan consulate. The first poll of party supporters comes with some caveats, and was taken before Ms Regan really got going - but the fact that it suggested a substantial lead for Ms Forbes may be a wake-up call. Ms Sturgeon defended Mr Yousaf's record at first minister's questions on Thursday, saying that the issues faced by the health service in Scotland were shared by other parts of the UK and pointing out that Scotland has avoided strike action by NHS staff. On Thursday Ms Forbes attempted to reset her campaign, saying she felt "greatly burdened" that some of her comments had caused hurt, and pledging to "defend to the hilt" the rights of all people in Scotland to live without fear or harassment. After nominations closed, Mr Yousaf said independence was "within touching distance" and that "experience and unity" was needed to make that a reality. Ms Sturgeon said Scotland was a "socially progressive country" and people would expect the new first minister to "stand up for their rights". Ms Forbes, a devout member of the Free Church of Scotland, also said she would not have voted for the Scottish government's gender reforms in December and that, according to her religious beliefs, having children outside marriage was "wrong". She vowed to set up an Independence Commission on her first day in the job and said she would not challenge the UK government's decision to

ASH Regan has defended putting her children through private school, saying she was “a mother first” and a politician second.

She continued: “I went to a state school. My husband went to a state school. I just couldn’t make it work.

The MSP for Edinburgh Eastern, 48, has pledged to 'reinvigorate' the SNP if she were to win the leadership race.

Ms Forbes has since said she [regrets the pain caused by her comments](https://www.standard.co.uk/news/politics/snp-leadership-kate-forbes-gay-marriage-row-nicola-sturgeon-b1061965.html). [Kate Forbes ](https://www.standard.co.uk/news/politics/nicola-sturgeon-resign-kate-forbes-christian-new-snp-leader-b1060548.html)was the early frontrunner. The relationship between Ms Regan and Ms Sturgeon became a talking point after her resignation. [Humza Yousaf](https://www.standard.co.uk/news/politics/who-is-humza-yousaf-scotland-leadership-race-nicola-sturgeon-first-minister-b1061675.html), the health and social care secretary, is now considered the favourite at 2/5. She served as parliamentary liaison officer to the cabinet secretary for culture, tourism, and external affairs. I think my track record on equality issues speaks loud and clear.” Ms Regan attended primary school in Scotland before moving to Cumbria. As she announces her candidacy to replace Ms Sturgeon, ditching the gender reforms and being in favour of a full focus on Scottish independence are set to top her campaign agenda. “I respect everything that my predecessors have achieved since 2007, but recently we have lost our way. She later earned a diploma in public relations at the London School of Public Relations in 2007, and a MSc in development management at the Open University. [sh Regan](/topic/ash-regan) has joined the race to be the new Scottish National Party ( [SNP](/topic/snp)) leader and [First Minister](/topic/first-minister) of [Scotland](/topic/scotland) following [Nicola Sturgeon’s resignation](https://www.standard.co.uk/news/politics/nicola-sturgeon-angus-robertson-first-minister-scottish-government-bbc-b1060546.html) last week. SNP MP Joanna Cherry has already come out in support of Ms Regan’s candidacy, saying she has shown “courage” and “leadership” in standing against the gender reforms.