SNP minister who quit in protest at Nicola Sturgeon's trans policy set for leadership bid

Ash Regan who resigned in protest over Nicola Sturgeon’s transgender bill has emerged as a surprised candidate to replace the First Minister.

Regan lobbied against plans by Sturgeon’s government to allow Scots aged 16 to change their legal sex by signing a declaration.

The Edinburgh East MSP is yet to publicly confirm a leadership bid but has called for members who quit in the wake of the gender bill to be allowed to rejoin to vote in the contest.

She also backed growing demand, from figures including SNP’s Westminster leader Stephen Flynn, for the SNP to postpone a special conference next month to decide on its strategy for securing independence.

Nicola Sturgeon has resigned as First Minister of Scotland
Jane Barlow

“The SNP special conference should now be postponed whilst a leadership contest will also be ongoing,” she tweeted on Thursday morning.

“I also call for all those members who have left the party over the last year to be able to rejoin over the next month and be allowed to participate in the leadership election.”

On Wednesday, Regan paid tribute to Sturgeon, despite a breakdown in their relationship when she stepped down from Government.

She said: “Over eight years of being leader of the SNP and FM with eight election wins she leaves a great legacy behind.

“I really wish Nicola Sturgeon all the best in the future, and I thank her for her determined leadership which has improved the lives of many in Scotland.”

Another SNP critic of Sturgeon’s gender reforms, Joanna Cherry mirrored Regan’s call to allow members back ahead of the leadership vote.

An email sent to SNP members suggested only those who were already members of the party when Sturgeon quit would be allowed to take part.

The party’s ruling National Executive Committee is set to decide on the rules of the contest.

Joanna Cherry has backed Ash Regan's calls to let members rejoin for the leadership vote
Lesley Martin

Cherry tweeted: “I endorse this call. Many women left the party in exasperation as their rights were thrown under the bus. Others left in despair over the independence strategy.

“We need these people back. There should be a moratorium on all resignations over the last two years.”

Allies of Sturgeon are confident that the deputy first minister, John Swinney would win the contest should he stand.

Others expected to stand include Angus Robertson, the Constitution Secretary, and Keith Brown, the SNP justice secretary and deputy leader of the party.