The Scottish Lib Dems elect their leader once ever four years and Stephen was the only candidate as the deadline for nominations passed this weekend. 

There had been suggestions after the May Holyrood election that Stephen would face a challenge after the Lib Dems lost seats as well as its place in government. 

Commenting on the nomination, Stephen said: 

“I am very pleased to have the endorsement of all of my MSP colleagues. We are all now determined to spend the next four years leading the opposition to the SNP whenever they exaggerate their claims, betray their promises and downgrade their delivery.  

“We will stand up for issues that our party, uniquely, champions - renewable energy, a positive role for young people and the defence of civil liberty. As I go round Scotland leading our campaigns, I meet people who are telling me that the SNP honeymoon is over. They are looking to the Liberal Democrats to provide the fresh, determined, principled opposition that the Scottish government needs.”