Rennie 'We Are Listening'

The leader of the Scottish Liberal Democrats has unveiled new plans to ensure his party listens to the views of Scots.

Following the General Election result, Willie Rennie has instructed the party to set up its biggest and most democratic listening exercise, with a policy roadshow being launched this summer.

It comes as Mr Rennie today marks his fourth year as leader of the Scottish Liberal Democrats.

Hundreds of new members have joined the Scottish Liberal Democrats since polling day.

Speaking to Liberal Democrat MSPs in Holyrood today, Mr Rennie will set out plans to:

Launch a policy roadshow for new and current activists over the summer months, taking in Fife, Aberdeen and the Borders amongst other places.

Utilise Facebook and Twitter to gauge opinion on 21st century liberal values.

Engage more supporters using the party’s campaigning software to build up an extensive volunteer base for 2016.

Set up specific engagement workshops for young activists to bring fresh and ambitious ideas forward for the 2016 Scottish Parliament manifesto.

Speaking to Liberal Democrat MSPs today, Mr Rennie said: “At the General Election we lost some of our great liberal giants. As leader of the Scottish Liberal Democrats I want to make sure we learn the lessons and heed the results.

“We will listen to the views of the people of Scotland. I hope that many more people will join our party and embrace the opportunity to build our modern, liberal vision for Scotland.

“Scotland needs liberal values. Opportunity for all, to ensure everyone has the chance they deserve to get on in life and achieve their potential.

“Our campaign for 2016 has already begun.

“I want to ensure that we come to that election with a modern, ambitious vision of liberal values for Scotland.

“We will listen to the people of Scotland, to the people on the doorsteps and to the increasing numbers of people backing our party.

“As the Tory government continues with its illiberal plans to curb our civil liberties and tack the UK further to the right, the role of the Liberal Democrats is more important than ever.

“And in Scotland, the SNP has taken its eye off the ball on day to day public services. Their disregard for the voice of local communities and for liberal values continues to create divisions.

“All of this has created an even bigger space for Liberal Democrats to fill in the debate on what kind of country we want to be.

“Over the summer, we will undertake our biggest and most democratic listening exercise. Our policy roadshow will ensure that we hear the voices of the diverse communities across Scotland.

“For the new, young activists who have joined in their droves since polling day, I want to engage their fresh and ambitious ideas for our country’s future.

“We will listen to the people of Scotland, and we will demonstrate why Scotland needs strong liberal voices now more than ever.”