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Feminism: Sex and gender discussions

Ash Regan standing as Independent MSP

29 replies

ArabellaScott · 20/02/2026 19:20

So if you're in Edinburgh and Lothian, you have the option of voting for her.

A very brave and principled politician, you don't get many of them.

'Principle Over Party

As we approach the next Scottish election, I know that many families are focused on what matters most: protecting the rights and safety of women and children, improving standards in our schools, and making sure government is properly held to account. This election is about trust, competence, and whether our Scottish Parliament is truly working in the interests of the people it serves.

Throughout my time in public life, I have been prepared to stand up for what I believe is right - even when it has been difficult. I have consistently spoken up, and resigned as a Minister, for women’s rights and the importance of safeguarding single-sex spaces. I believe policy must always be rooted in fairness, clarity and common sense. When many felt their voices were being dismissed, I chose to listen - and to act.

I believe that taxpayers’ money must be treated with respect. Public funds are hard-earned and they should be spent on improving frontline services - not wasted on vanity projects, pet priorities, or policies that simply do not deliver for ordinary families. At a time when people are struggling with the cost of living, government must focus on essentials, not distractions.

Too often, we have seen the Scottish Government pursue costly and unnecessary court battles, only to lose and leave taxpayers footing the bill. That is not strong leadership - it is poor judgement. We need a government that exercises common sense, knows when to listen, and puts the interests of the public before political ideology.

I am passionate about raising standards in education. Every child in Scotland deserves the very best start in life, regardless of their background. That means focusing on literacy and numeracy, properly supporting teachers, and ensuring our schools are safe, supportive and phone-free environments where children can learn, grow and succeed.

Holding government to account is not optional - it is essential. Scrutiny strengthens democracy. I will continue to question decisions, demand transparency, and challenge poor delivery wherever I see it. The people of Scotland deserve a government that listens, learns and takes responsibility.

This May, I am asking for your support to stand as an independent MSP so I can continue to stand up for women and children and ensure that those in power are properly held to account. Thank you.'

(Text from her crowdfunder)

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Myalternate · 20/02/2026 19:45

I’d vote for her but I’m nowhere near Scotland ☹️

Shortshriftandlethal · 20/02/2026 19:46

Good for her!

Seriestwo · 20/02/2026 19:59

Ill leaflet for her. She works hard.

TheywontletmehavethenameIwant · 20/02/2026 19:59

I hope she gets back in, the Scottish Gov can't afford to lose one of it's few, very few, voices of reason. 🤞🙏🍀

MakeYourOwnSunshine · 20/02/2026 20:01

TheywontletmehavethenameIwant · 20/02/2026 19:59

I hope she gets back in, the Scottish Gov can't afford to lose one of it's few, very few, voices of reason. 🤞🙏🍀

You mean the Scottish Parliament, she hasn't been anywhere near the government for a long time! 🤦

TheywontletmehavethenameIwant · 20/02/2026 21:47

MakeYourOwnSunshine · 20/02/2026 20:01

You mean the Scottish Parliament, she hasn't been anywhere near the government for a long time! 🤦

Sorry, I didn't know there was a difference. 🫢

ArabellaScott · 20/02/2026 23:05

She was part of the Scotgov as an SNP Minister. Stepped down over the GRR Bill, joined Alba, and stood down from Alba over the Nordic Model Bill, if I've understood correctly.

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SwirlyGates · 21/02/2026 09:08

I will vote for her, but I didn't know she needed to raise funds to stand, so thank you for highlighting that.

BringonSpringnowplease · 21/02/2026 09:14

TheywontletmehavethenameIwant · 20/02/2026 21:47

Sorry, I didn't know there was a difference. 🫢

It's absolutely the Scottish government, I would ignore previous post - sorry realising now pp might mean she's not been in the SNP for some time, rather than it's not called the Scottish government! She left the SNP 3 years ago I believe

ArabellaScott · 21/02/2026 09:16

BringonSpringnowplease · 21/02/2026 09:14

It's absolutely the Scottish government, I would ignore previous post - sorry realising now pp might mean she's not been in the SNP for some time, rather than it's not called the Scottish government! She left the SNP 3 years ago I believe

Edited

Previous post is correct. SNP are govt at Holyrood. Other parties are the opposition. Regan hasnt been part of govt for quite some time, now.

Edit: Cross post, yes.

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JustPlainStanfreyPock · 21/02/2026 21:26

Thanks, I'll check this out as she would certainly get my vote if I saw her name on my ballot papers.

Seriestwo · 21/02/2026 21:37

Can I vote for her on my list vote? I’ve never really understood that and she’s not in my area. Sadly

ArabellaScott · 21/02/2026 21:58

If you are in Edinburgh and Lothian East!

List vote is by region, which are larger than constituencies:

https://whocanivotefor.co.uk/person/8040/ash-regan

'The first ballot paper will have a list of names and political parties – these are your candidates. Choose one candidate by marking ‘X’ next to your choice. The candidate who receives more votes than any other candidate will be the winner. The winning candidate becomes a Member of the Scottish Parliament (MSP) and will represent your constituency.

[List vote]

Then you cast a second vote. This ballot paper will have a list of political parties as your options. to choose a political party or individual candidate to represent your region. You show your choice of political party by marking ‘X’ next to your chosen political party. There are seven regional members for each of the eight electoral regions in Scotland.'

Ash Regan for Edinburgh and Lothians East in the Scottish Parliament elections (Regions)

Ash Regan is an independent candidate in Edinburgh and Lothians East in the Scottish Parliament elections (Regions).Get the latest information on this candidate at Who Can I Vote For?

https://whocanivotefor.co.uk/person/8040/ash-regan

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GargoylesofBeelzebub · 21/02/2026 22:02

Wish I could vote for her. Not in my area though.

weegielass · 22/02/2026 09:15

The problem, if I understand correctly, is that some parties have shitty MSPs as well as good ones, so if you like person X from Party Y but other MSPs are higher on the list from that party then person X may not be an MSP.
Ash Regan is not in my area unfortunately.

ArabellaScott · 22/02/2026 09:46

Geezo!

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WearyAuldWumman · 22/02/2026 16:28

Myalternate · 20/02/2026 19:45

I’d vote for her but I’m nowhere near Scotland ☹️

I'd vote for her, but I'm across the bridge in Jenny Gilruth territory.

At one point I thought that Neale Hanvey was standing here, but I've not been able to get confirmation.

WearyAuldWumman · 22/02/2026 16:30

Thanks for this. I believe that Eva Comrie in the Mid Scotland and Fife area is Gender Critical.

WearyAuldWumman · 22/02/2026 16:32

Igneococcus · 22/02/2026 09:33

"Alliance to Liberate Scotland"? How have I missed them so far?
There is a possibility Alba is too broke to stand:
https://www.thetimes.com/article/235033a3-c68a-48ea-9750-5d5456f2f272?shareToken=35633d4f46366d6d9ad3359d3772541d

Oh, shit.

WearyAuldWumman · 22/02/2026 16:34

I doubt that Neale H will have the funds to stand as an independent.

ArabellaScott · 22/02/2026 16:50

I would like to gather a thread of candidates who support women's rights, but I'm a bit wary that might make them targets. Maybe things have changed, and I'm being over cautious?

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weebarra · 22/02/2026 19:30

Eva is, yes. Delighted that I’ll be able to vote for Ash as my list MSP.

WearyAuldWumman · 22/02/2026 20:04

ArabellaScott · 22/02/2026 16:50

I would like to gather a thread of candidates who support women's rights, but I'm a bit wary that might make them targets. Maybe things have changed, and I'm being over cautious?

I think you're right to be wary.