A Mid Scotland and Fife MSP has been officially appointed the new leader of the Scottish Liberal Democrats.
Willie Rennie took over from Tavish Scott when the deadline for the contest passed at noon without any other candidates stepping forward.
The former Dunfermline and West Fife MP now faces the challenge of reversing the party’s collapse in popularity following its involvement in the coalition government with the Conservatives at Westminster.
The Lib Dems were reduced from 16 to just five MSPs in a disastrous election result earlier this month.
Accepting the appointment alongside party members at a press conference in North Queensferry, Mr Rennie said he was “delighted” to take over as leader.
“We need to reflect on the disappointment of the Scottish Parliament election results and move on and up,” he added.
“I’m here today with Jimmy Gordon and Neil Alexander two of our oldest and youngest members. I want to connect with the party at all levels.
“Scotland needs a strong Liberal voice at all levels of government and I am determined to see that strong Liberal voice flourish.”BulldozerHe added that his party would stand up to the “SNP bulldozer.”
“We will not sit on our hands in the face of an SNP majority,” he said. “Scotland needs us to stand up for local services, for long-term solutions and for making our country a place that finds opportunities for aspirational Scots.”
Scottish Secretary Michael Moore, the Lib Dem MP for Berwickshire, Roxburgh and Selkirk, yesterday described the appointment as “great news.”
“Willie will be a first class leader for the Scottish Liberal Democrats,” he said. “Willie and I have worked together for many years. His energy, integrity and commitment make him the right person to lead our party in Scotland.
“As an experienced politician and a veteran campaigner he is ideally placed to promote our values in the new Scottish Parliament and throughout Scotland, too.”
Iain Gray, who announced his decision to quit as Scottish Labour leader in the autumn following the Holyrood election result, said, “I would like to congratulate Willie Rennie on taking over from Tavish Scott as leader.
“Willie is well-respected by members of all parties and brings extensive experience as a former MP, chief executive of the Scottish Liberal Democrats and as the party’s chief of staff.”
Tory leader Annabel Goldie, who is also standing down, added, “He is a well-respected individual across the political divide and it is good for Scottish politics that he has made the journey from Westminster to Holyrood.”
Photo David Wardle.