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Reluctant Hero · Posted: Tue Aug 26, 2008 9:43 pm Post subject: Scott Elected Leader

The more things change, the more they stay the same!

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/scotland/7581344.stm

Scott elected new Lib Dem leader

The Scottish Liberal Democrats have elected Tavish Scott as their new leader north of the border.

He secured 1,450 votes, representing a 59% share of the turnout. Ross Finnie polled 568 votes (21.3%), and Mike Rumbles won 439 votes (17.9%).

Mr Scott, 42, succeeds Nicol Stephen, who stepped down earlier this year to spend more time with his family.

The former transport minister and Shetland MSP was tipped to win, but not by such a big margin.

The three candidates took part in a series of political hustings during the summer.

Some 61% of Scottish party members voted by post to choose the new leader. The ballot papers were counted on Tuesday and the outcome declared a few hours later.

Speaking after the results were declared at Murrayfield Stadium in Edinburgh, Mr Scott said: "Thank you for this, the gold medal in the Lib Dem Olympics.

"I'm with Chris Hoy. I'm comfortable and confident in being part of a federal political party. Team Lib Dem - Scottish MPs, MSPs, MEPs and councillors across the country working together to build a stronger party, a stronger Scotland, and yes a stronger UK.

"Team Scott, as with our athletes, has only won because of the support staff. Like Chris Hoy, victory would not have been achieved without them."

LEADERSHIP RESULT
Tavish Scott - 1,450 (59%)
Ross Finnie - 568 (21.3%)
Mike Rumbles - 439 (17.9%)

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Member turnout - 61%

Profile: Tavish Scott
Brian's Blog: A jolly occasion
The new Scottish Lib Dem leader said he was determined to make his party a "dominant presence on the political landscape".

Mr Scott predicted that by 2010 the SNP government in Scotland would not look as confident and sure-footed as it does now.

He said they would be seen as "arrogant, misguided, and politically dishonest".

SNP leader Alex Salmond and Labour Prime Minister Gordon Brown shared many similarities, Mr Scott said.

"Same tactics, same flaws, same admiration of Margaret Thatcher," he told Lib Dem party members.

He said his election was a "mandate for change".

"Change that locks in Liberal values. That's why we'll continue to make the case for protecting our environment, improving our public services and taking back our civil liberties."

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skip · Helping with the Count Joined: 19 May 2006 Posts: 257

chris hoy seems to be every politicians mate just now!!

first minister and PM heaped praise on him. now its the johnny come lately's getting in on the act. apart from seb coe it seems the tories aren't interested in sport and are yet to comment!

on the election of Tavish Scott... I dont think he is as 'nice' or soft as nicol stephen. he might get his teeth more into attacking his opponents and i dont think he can be much worse than nicol stephen. clegg isnt doing them any favours. the tide has been turning against the lib dems since the end of charles kennedy's reign and i dont think clegg will turn it around on a UK level.
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William_Cleland · Posted: Wed Aug 27, 2008 7:24 am Post subject:

I'm surprised they released those vote totals. Divide by 73 constituencies and they have about 34 active members per candidate for the Scottish parliament. Probably not that difficult to be selected to stand in local council elections. Smile

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No more boom and bust - Gordon Brown

Holebender · Posted: Wed Aug 27, 2008 7:52 am Post subject:

Scott was the continuity candidate, the one most like Nicol Stephen. By voting overwhelmingly for more of the same the LibDems have ensured the continuing decline of their party's fortunes. The candidate who offered the most radical changes came last... Hell mend them.
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"My instinct is to agree with your opinion of his verse, but I've never so much as glanced at it." - agentmancuso

October1974 · Standing in a Council Ward Joined: 11 Mar 2006 Posts: 425

here is a link to comments from stanislav the polish plumber - scroll down to read his rather forthright comment on Mr Scott. Makes our posts seem very genteel Embarassed

http://www.order-order.com/2008/0...ain-left-both-his-first-wife.html
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I am not a Nationalist because I am proud to be Scottish but ashamed of the state of the country and want it improved

agentmancuso · Posted: Thu Sep 11, 2008 8:40 pm Post subject:

agentmancuso · Posted: Thu Sep 11, 2008 8:43 pm Post subject: