Former Scottish Liberal Democrat leader Lord (Jim) Wallace and former Liberal Party leader Sir David Steel have paid tribute to Nicol Stephen after he stood down as leader of the Scottish Liberal Democrats.

In a statement Jim Wallace said:

“Anyone who knows Nicol, and knows his family, will know that he has done the right thing.

“Leading a political party is a great challenge.

“Nicol Stephen can move on, confident that his achievements in government and in opposition will stand the test of time.

“The historic role that Liberal Democrats played in the first governments after devolution and the strong and solid move to opposition in the Scottish Parliament owe a great deal to Nicol Stephen’s strengths.

“His determination, as Party leader, to engage and involve young people and to build up the Party’s support from the grassroots, will be a valuable legacy for his successor.”

Former Scottish Parliament Presiding Officer David Steel said:

“Nicol has a young, delightful and therefore demanding family. So I wholly understand his decision. But I am equally certain that a man of his talent will return to the front line of politics in due course.”

Ends