As Scotland approaches its next crucial Holyrood election, Alba Party’s Ash Regan MSP has warned that the country has just one year to secure its future before Westminster policies continue to harm local living standards.
With the next Scottish Parliament election set for May 7, 2026, Regan emphasized that this election could be the most important in the history of the modern Scottish Parliament, which was re-established in 1999. The stakes are high, she argued, as Scotland faces the threat of increased cuts and further challenges to its sovereignty under continued Westminster rule.
A Critical Election for Scotland’s Future
Regan, the leader of Alba’s Holyrood group, is firm in her belief that without a significant pro-independence majority in the upcoming election, Scotland’s aspirations for constitutional change will be sidelined indefinitely. In a direct challenge to the current political establishment, she insists that this election represents Scotland’s best chance to break free from the grip of Westminster policies that, she claims, will only worsen the economic situation for Scots.
“We have one year to save Scotland from Westminster,” Regan stated. “The public must understand that without a massive pro-independence majority, we will be exposed to more cuts, more economic hardship, and more interference from Westminster.”
The List Vote Dilemma
One of the key points Regan highlights is the significant number of wasted votes in the last Scottish Parliament elections. In 2021, almost one million votes were cast for the SNP’s pro-independence platform, but because of how Scotland’s regional voting system works, many of these votes failed to translate into additional pro-independence representatives.
“Six out of Scotland’s eight regional lists failed to deliver any pro-independence MSPs, despite the high number of SNP constituency wins,” Regan pointed out. This issue, she argues, underscores the importance of ensuring that pro-independence voters don’t waste their votes in 2026, and that they support candidates who can deliver real progress toward independence.
Regan is calling for a more strategic approach to the 2026 election, with the need for voters to back pro-independence parties not just in constituency votes but also in the regional list votes, which are crucial to building a pro-independence majority in Holyrood.
The Growing Support for Reform UK
In the lead-up to the 2026 election, Regan has raised concerns about the rise of Reform UK, a party that has attracted voters who feel disillusioned with the traditional pro-independence options. As economic frustrations mount and some former SNP supporters express dissatisfaction with the party’s handling of key sectors like North Sea oil and Grangemouth, Regan believes that addressing these concerns is key to securing a broader independence mandate.
“We know that some people who may have voted SNP in the past, particularly those who supported Brexit or feel that the SNP has abandoned key industries, are now considering voting for Reform,” Regan said. “This election is not just about independence—it’s also about offering common-sense policies that speak to the real economic concerns of people who feel left behind.”
By putting forward policies that aim to protect living standards and reduce costs during a severe cost-of-living crisis, Regan believes that Alba and other pro-independence parties can appeal to a broader audience, including those who are currently feeling let down by both the Scottish Government and Westminster.
The Path Forward for Alba
For Regan and Alba, the upcoming election is about more than just securing a majority for independence—it’s about building a platform that can unite disillusioned voters from different backgrounds. Regan’s call to action is clear: Alba needs to build momentum over the next year to ensure that Scotland doesn’t miss another opportunity to gain a pro-independence majority in Parliament.
“If we want a strong list vote for Alba, we need to ensure that voters feel confident in our ability to deliver,” Regan said. “The time for action is now, and we need to set out a clear, compelling case for independence while addressing the everyday issues people are facing.”
With a year left before the election, the question remains: Will Scotland seize this opportunity to elect a pro-independence government, or will it continue to be left at the mercy of Westminster policies?
