Cole-Hamilton hands Rennie role in Lib-Dem top team

Former Scottish Liberal Democrat leader Willie Rennie will remain on the party’s front bench, after being made education spokesman by his successor.

Alex Cole-Hamilton revealed the roles the party’s four MSPs will take on in Holyrood – insisting that they are all “crackling with talent and ideas” to inspire voters.

Rennie, who stepped down as leader after the Holyrood elections saw the number of Liberal Democrat MSPs drop from five to four, replaces Beatrice Wishart in the education role.

Wishart, the Shetland MSP, will now speak for the party on rural affairs and connectivity.

Liam McArthur, who represents Orkney, remains in his role as justice spokesman and will also speak about the climate emergency.

Cole-Hamilton said he would continue to speak on health issues – the role he had before becoming leader – as well as being his party’s main spokesman on the constitution and external affairs.

He was announced as the party’s new Scottish leader last Friday, after being the only person to put themselves forward for the post.

Cole-Hamilton said: “After a busy first week as leader in which I have challenged the Government over their wafer-thin commitment to helping the NHS recover from the pandemic and pushed for a comprehensive Covid inquiry, I am delighted to announce my new spokesperson team who will lead the party forward over the coming years.

“Scotland needs new hope and this team can offer it. They are crackling with talent and ideas, ready to inspire people.

“We will focus on the issues that matter to people across the country every day, from the NHS to the climate emergency. We will oppose the centralising SNP and stand up for human rights at home and abroad.

“Over the coming weeks I will be setting out a series of proposals to give people new hope, from the environment to the future of our communities and the prospects for young people. Scottish Liberal Democrats have so much to offer the people of Scotland.”