Who could follow Willie Rennie as the next Scottish Lib Dem leader?
Willie Rennie with penguins  Willie Rennie is one of just four Scottish Liberal Democrat MSPs at the Scottish Parliament following Mays election results. The partys executive will reportedly meet on Monday night to discuss a timetable for the new leader being appointed, with one of the three remaining MSPs likely to replace him.  Alex Cole-Hamilton  One of those is Edinburgh Western MSP Alex Cole-Hamilton, who was elected in 2016 and is the partys spokesman for health and sport. In a statement on Twitter, he said he was profoundly glad Mr Rennie is staying on as an MSP as I still have much to learn from him. He added: There are few people in my life who have had as much influence over it as he has, and he is one of my best friends. When people think about Willie, more often than not they think of the most recognisable smile in Scottish politics. They are right to do so; his positivity is irrepressible. It has carried both me and the Liberal Democrats through some of our darkest moments and it is not overstating things to say that he has saved our party from oblivion and obscurity on more than one occasion. Scotland needs politicians of profound substance and integrity. Willie has both of those things and some to spare. Were it not for him, mental health and early years education would not enjoy the prominence they do in the corridors of Parliament and of Government today. His legacy as leader will be vast and long-lasting, principally focused on those at the margins of society while ensuring that Scotland has had, and will continue to have, strong liberal voices at every level of public life in our country.  Willie Rennie and Beatrice Wishart at the Scottish Parliament (Andrew Milligan/PA)   Beatrice Wishart  Another MSP in the Lib Dem seats at Holyrood is Beatrice Wishart, having previously been a councillor for Shetland before representing the constituency at the Scottish Parliament. Former party leader Tavish Scott stood down in 2019, triggering a by-election in the area, which was won by Ms Wishart, who is the partys spokeswoman for education and skills. She tweeted: Willie Rennies energy and service to the party as leader shone through when he helped me during the Shetland by-election win in 2019. His perseverance at Parliament propelled the issues of mental health and education up the agenda. Willie Rennie works hard for his constituents and its obvious how much they value the tremendous effort he puts in for them. Willie is a valued friend and colleague and I look forward to us continuing to work together in the future.  Liam McArthur was recently appointed as a deputy presiding officer (Jane Barlow/PA)   Liam McArthur  Liam McArthur has been the Lib Dem MSP for the Orkney constituency since 2007 when he replaced another former party leader in the retiring Jim Wallace. While he has been in the party longer than his counterparts, after Mays election he was appointed as a deputy presiding officer as well as being the partys energy and justice spokesman. The presiding officer (Green MSP Alison Johnstone) has to remain impartial, however her deputies can continue to support their party and take part in business such as debates and voting unless chairing proceedings in the Chamber. After eleven elections and referendums over ten years and a global pandemic, I have decided to stand aside as Leader of the Scottish Liberal Democrats.https://t.co/mBLGz2WzKk  Willie Rennie (@willie_rennie) July 12, 2021  Following Mr Rennies announcement, he said: Willie Rennie has been my friend for over 30 years & Im very sorry to see him step down as leader of the Scottish Liberal Democrats. For the past 10 years, he has led our party with energy, enthusiasm & skill, as well as his trademark good humour. He is a natural and tireless campaigner whose personal warmth allows him to engage with people from all walks of life. This has helped push these issues up the political agenda & demonstrated the value of strong liberal voices in our politics.