Lib Dems set out leader timetable

Nicol Stephen stood down as Scottish Lib Dem leader

The Scottish Liberal Democrats have agreed a timetable for the election of a new leader, following the resignation of Nicol Stephen on Wednesday.

The party's ruling executive said the closing date for nominations would be at noon on Thursday 24 July.

The deadline for the return of ballot papers will be noon on Tuesday 26 August, with the declaration of the result made that afternoon.

Hustings will be held in Aberdeen, Edinburgh, Glasgow and Inverness.

Mr Stephen quit as Scottish Lib Dem leader, saying the job was putting too much stress on his family life.

The former Scottish deputy first minister said his wife and four children had to take priority.

Mr Stephen, who was leader for three years, said he would stay on as MSP for Aberdeen South.

Leadership campaign

The party's deputy leader, Michael Moore MP, has taken charge while a leadership contest is staged.

Mr Stephen's resignation came less than a week after Scottish Labour leader Wendy Alexander quit, amid an ongoing row over donations to her leadership campaign.

West Aberdeenshire and Kincardine MSP Mike Rumbles has announced he will stand for the Lib Dem leadership contest.

Other possible contenders for the job include Shetland MSP and former transport minister Tavish Scott and Jeremy Purvis, MSP for Tweeddale, Ettrick and Lauderdale.

The Scottish Liberal Democrats were ousted from power by the SNP last May, after serving in coalition rule with Labour for eight years.

But while the Scottish Labour leader at the time, Jack McConnell, later stood down, Mr Stephen stayed on to lead his party in opposition.