Has ‘backbencher’ Regan conceded defeat?

ASH Regan has been accused of conceding defeat in the SNP leadership contest after she submitted a request to ask questions as a backbencher next week.

The outsider in the contest is due to ask on Wednesday whether the Scottish Government will ‘consider procuring a lower specification of standardised ferries’.

The SNP leadership result is due on Monday, with the winner expected to begin forming their Cabinet in the following days. Scottish Conservative MSP Annie Wells said: ‘By lodging a question for next Wednesday – when the new First Minister will have moved into Bute House – Ash Regan has effectively conceded defeat.

‘In fact, given that members of the Scottish Government are forbidden from asking questions of it, it seems Ash Regan isn’t even expecting to be a junior minister for paperclips.’

Ms Regan was asked for comment.