2005 Scottish Liberal Democrats leadership election

2005 Scottish Liberal Democrats leadership election

9 May – 23 June 2005 (2005-05-09 – 2005-06-23)

Candidate Nicol Stephen Mike Rumbles Percentage 76.6% 23.4%

Leader before election Jim Wallace Elected Leader Nicol Stephen

The 2005 Scottish Liberal Democrats leadership election was an election to choose a new leader of the Liberal Democrats in Scotland, triggered following the resignation of Jim Wallace.[1] Two candidates were nominated. The 4,500 members were polled. The declaration of results occurred on 23 June 2005. Nicol Stephen was elected. The previous leader Jim Wallace was elected unopposed in 1992 after the resignation of Malcolm Bruce.

Candidates

Successfully nominated candidates

The following MSPs gained the required one nomination from a fellow MSP, and were therefore candidates for the leadership:

• Nicol Stephen- MSP for Aberdeen South and Transport minister
• Mike Rumbles - MSP for West Aberdeenshire and Kincardine and Lib Dem spokesperson on health

Result

The result of the leadership election was announced on 23 June 2005; turnout of the 4,500 Lib Dem membership was 65%.[2][3]

First round

Candidate		Votes
		Votes		%
	Nicol Stephen Y			76.6%
	Mike Rumbles			23.4%
Turnout				65%
Nicol Stephen elected leader Source:[3]

References

1. "Lib Dem leader Wallace steps down". BBC News. 9 May 2005. Retrieved 2 January 2020.
2. Tempest, Matthew (23 June 2005). "Nicol Stephen to lead Scottish Lib Dems". The Guardian. Retrieved 2 January 2020.
3. "Lib Dems choose Stephen as leader". BBC News. 23 June 2005. Retrieved 2 January 2020.