Rennie: Lib Dems can prevent an SNP government that does what it wants

Scottish Lib Dem leader Willie Rennie will position his party as a check on SNP power during a conference speech later.

Rennie will use his address to the party's virtual conference to argue that depriving the SNP of a majority at May's election will force the party to put the post-pandemic recovery first.

Rennie will say: "The Liberal Democrats can make the difference at the next election. We can make gains in every region. We can win new seats.  

"The Liberal Democrats, with our plan to put recovery first, are ready to win more seats. 

"Our gains will make the difference between a government that can do whatever it wants, however damaging, and a government that has to listen."

The Lib Dems currently have five MSPs at Holyrood.

Polling from Ipsos MORI, published last week, showed the party on five per cent of the vote, down one point compared with November.

Rennie is expected to say: "I am ready.  With a decade of experience leading the Liberal Democrats in Scotland. Rebuilding our party with wins in Holyrood, Westminster, Europe and by-elections. Working with others to win in parliament on education on mental health and on the budget. 

"I am ready to lead the Liberal Democrats to the gains that will put recovery first."