David Thomson reporting from Scottish Lib Dem spring conference in Hamilton
- Rennie said that both Labour and Conservative MSPs are “ incredibly frustrated” by the direction of the party on issues such as Brexit
- Rennie told journalists after his speech at the Scottish Liberal Democrats spring conference: “They’ve seen their colleagues leaving down south, people who are like-minded leaving down south, and I would encourage them to make the same step up here.”
- Rennie told conference: “I say to you: why settle for what you know is not right when you could forge something new that is worth fighting for?”
A NUMBER of Scottish Labour and Scottish Conservative MSPs are poised to quit their parties following the creation of the new Independent Group of MPs, Scottish Lib Dem leader Willie Rennie has claimed.
Speaking to journalists after his speech to the Scottish Liberal Democrat conference in Hamilton, the Scottish Liberal Democrat leader hailed the new Independent Group of MPs as a “great opportunity” for the centre ground to grow.
Rennie has said that MSPs are “incredibly frustrated” by the direction of both parties on issues such as Brexit.
Rennie did not confirm whom he has spoken to or how many MSPs are going to quit, but he said: “They’ve seen their colleagues leaving down south, people who are like-minded leaving down south, and I would encourage them to make the same step up here.”
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He added: “I talk to lots of people on either side and I know that they are incredibly frustrated by the direction of travel of their parties and the way that they have personally been treated as well.
“Whether it is enough, time will tell. However, once the dam breaks in Scotland, there is potential for them to come. I’m keen to encourage that to happen.”
Rennie’s remarks follow on from his speech to conference which sought to reach out to those in Scotland considering leaving their parties.
“It is a risk. I get that,” Rennie said.
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He told conference that he was “full of admiration” for those in parliament to have taken “those first bold steps” to quit their parties.
He added: “To those in Scotland yet to decide – you know who you are. I say to you: why settle for what you know is not right when you could forge something new that is worth fighting for?
“I talk to lots of people on either side and I know that they are incredibly frustrated by the direction of travel for their parties and the way that they have personally been treated as well.” Willie Rennie MSP
“Labour and the Conservative Parties are no longer broad churches but narrow sects. To miss this chance today will fill you with regret tomorrow.
“So, come and talk with me. Let’s work together.”
Picture courtesy of David Thomson
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