Tavish Scott becomes Scottish Lib Dem leader

Tavish Scott was favourite for leader

Tuesday, 26, Aug 2008 05:27

Tavish Scott has won his campaign to become the leader of the Scottish Liberal Democrats.

"Tavish will address the issues that matter most to the people of Scotland, not the narrow-minded squabbles of the nationalists and Labour," said party leader Nick Clegg.

"I am hugely looking forward to working with Tavish to further the values and policies of the Liberal Democrats across the whole of Scotland."

Party members selected him from three candidates, with more than 4,000 people voting by post following hustings across the country.

Mr Scott secured 1,450 votes, a 59 per cent share of the turnout. Ross Finnie recieved 568 votes, and Mike Rumbles won 439 votes.

It was a solid showing, with Mr Scott winning a larger share of the vote than most analysts expected.

The Scottish National party (SNP) wasted no time attacking the new leader.

"The Lib Dems have voted for more of the same in an invisible election for an invisible man," said Christine Grahame.

"Tavish Scott is responsible for their dire election results and their catastrophic decision to reject a coalition."

Nicol Stephen stepped down from the job earlier this year to spend more time with his family.

A former minister for transport, Mr Scott also used to be deputy leader of the Liberal Democrats.

He is currently Scottish Liberal Democrat shadow cabinet secretary for finance and sustainable growth.