2016 Holyrood Elections

Scottish Lib Dem leader Willie Rennie has been selected to represent North East Fife in the 2016 Scottish Parliament elections.

The former MP was selected as a Holyrood list MSP in 2011 and has led the party since then.

He was brought up in Strathmiglo and educated at Bell Baxter High School.

Mr Rennie has pledged to place a strong emphasis on growing the fishing and tourism sectors as well as placing schools and colleges at the heart of the community.

Speaking after the result was announced, Constituency Convener Iain Smith, who was Liberal Democrat MSP for North East Fife from 1999-2011, said "when I decided not to seek re-election I could think of no-one better to be our candidate than Willie Rennie.
 
"Willie is a local lad who has a proven record of standing up for the people he represents. As Scottish Liberal Democrat Leader, he has built a reputation for punching above his weight. Willie is just the sort of MSP that North East Fife needs, one that knows the area and the people and one who will put his constituency before his party.
 
"I look forward to working will Willie Rennie over the coming months, firstly to make sure Tim Brett gets elected as our next MP this May, then to win North East Fife back in the Scottish Parliament elections next year."
 
Sir Ming Campbell, MP for North East Fife, said:
 
"Willie Rennie has proved himself to be one of the most effective MSPs a Holyrood.  His command of his subject and his well-argued interventions and questions have earned respect from opponents and supporters alike. He will be an outstanding MSP for this constituency with a keen understanding of local issues and a willingness to represent all who seek his assistance."
 
Ming Campbell's successor Tim Brett said:
 
"I know we'll make a strong team for North East Fife as we've already been working closely together against the closure of Cupar Court, for better broadband and mobile service and for our local NHS.  With me in Westminster and Willie in Holyrood North East Fife's voice will be heard loud and clear."
 
Speaking after his selection, Willie Rennie said:
 
"It will be a great honour to represent in parliament the area where I grew up.
 
"I am relishing the prospect of working with the critically important sectors in the constituency from the University to the schools and colleges; from agriculture and fishing to the tourism and small business sector and the huge range of voluntary organisations that are the heart of our communities. I also want to make sure there is a smooth transition of the army to Leuchars. Hidden by the beauty of the area are families struggling to make ends meet.  I will speak up for them.
 
"Areas like North East Fife are often ignored by government but I will make sure they can’t ignore us.  I will stick up for North East Fife on issues of local and national concern."