As one of the first Scottish Liberal Democrats to declare for Willie Rennie as our new party leader, I was delighted to learn earlier today that Willie has become Scottish Liberal Democrat leader.
Here's the party's news release :
Rennie new leader of the Scottish Liberal Democrats
17 May 2011
Willie Rennie has been appointed leader of the Scottish Liberal Democrats.
He accepted the appointment at North Queensferry, with one of the party’s oldest members and one of the youngest.
Commenting, Mr Rennie said:
“I’m delighted to be the new leader of the Scottish Liberal Democrats.
“We need to reflect on the disappointment of the Scottish Parliament election results and move on and up. 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.
“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.
“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.”
Commenting, Liberal Democrat MP for Berwickshire, Roxburgh and Selkirk Michael Moore added:
“This is great news. Willie will be a first class leader for the Scottish Liberal Democrats.
“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.”