Rennie rallying cry to Scottish Liberal Democrat faithful

SCOTTISH Liberal Democrat leader Willie Rennie has said reports of his party’s demise are “greatly exaggerated”, despite the heavy defeat at the Holyrood election.

Rennie – one of only five Lib Dem MSPs returned to parliament in May – spoke out as he prepares for his first Scottish party conference since the May ballot.

He insisted the party is at the “cutting edge” of debate and has revisited policies after listening to voters.

The group was reduced from 16 MSPs, losing all first-past-the-post constituency seats on the mainland and prompting former leader Tavish Scott to step down.

Rennie said: “We have listened to the message voters gave us in May and revisited policies like minimum alcohol pricing, which I believe must form part of our long-term strategy to overcome Scotland’s addiction to alcohol.

“But we are also listening to the message that people are sending to this centralising SNP government. People want more power in their communities, to have control over police and fire services, not for power to be held hostage in ministerial offices in Edinburgh.

“And as we have always been, Scottish Liberal Democrats are at the cutting edge of the debate on Scotland’s future. We are the party of home rule and will work to secure more powers for the people of Scotland. All of these issues will be discussed at our conference.

“With over 300 delegates signed up and a thriving fringe programme, reports of the demise of the Liberal Democrats as a strong force in Scottish politics have been greatly exaggerated.”

Rennie wants to establish a Home Rule Commission to look at a settled distribution of powers between London, Edinburgh and local councils.

Delegates will also discuss minimum energy efficiency standards for rental accommodation, handing more power to communities and ethical trade practices.