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Willie Rennie named new Scottish Lib Dem leader | Willie Rennie named new Scottish Lib Dem leader |
(about 2 hours later) | |
By Andrew Black Political reporter, BBC Scotland | By Andrew Black Political reporter, BBC Scotland |
The Scottish Liberal Democrats have appointed a new leader, Willie Rennie, in the wake of their disastrous Holyrood election result. | |
The party lost 11 seats on 5 May, leaving them with five MSPs, as voters punished the Lib Dems for their role in the UK coalition government. | |
But Mr Rennie denied the Scottish Lib Dems would have to distance themselves from the UK party. | |
The MSP pledged to stand up to the "bulldozer" SNP majority government. | |
Scottish Secretary and Lib Dem MP Michael Moore described Mr Rennie as a "first-class leader". | |
Mr Rennie, 43, who has been elected to Holyrood for the first time on the Mid Scotland and Fife list, was the only leadership candidate. | |
The former MP said his party's election performance was "bad", and promised a return to community politics. | |
But, denying there had to be a split with the UK Lib Dems, Mr Rennie said: "People were angry, frustrated and disappointed about the coalition at a UK level. | |
"It is vital that people understand what the coalition is about - for me, it is about stopping the Tories doing their worst." | |
On his strategy to rebuild the party, Mr Rennie said: "We need to reflect on the disappointment of the Scottish Parliament election results and move on and up. | |
"Scotland needs a strong liberal voice at all levels of government, and I am determined to see that strong liberal voice flourish." | |
Turning to his opponents, Mr Rennie added: "I will be working with my colleagues in the Scottish Parliament to stand up to the SNP bulldozer. | |
"We will not sit on our hands in the face of an SNP majority - we will be that Liberal voice standing up for the values that Scotland holds dear." | |
Mr Rennie replaces Shetland MSP Tavish Scott as leader, after he quit the post he had held since 2008. | |
The Lib Dems lost 25 deposits after failing to win 5% of the vote in some areas on election night. | The Lib Dems lost 25 deposits after failing to win 5% of the vote in some areas on election night. |
Mr Moore said of the new leader: "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." |