SCOTTISH Liberal Democrat leader Willie Rennie has announced that he is to stand down after nearly a decade in post.

The Fife politician, who has served as both an MP and MSP over the past two decades, confirmed his departure on Monday, leaving the party with its smallest ever group of MSPs. 

Mr Rennie, who is known for his extravagant electioneering tactics, which have included wrestling livestock and waterskiing, promised to continue serving his North East Fife constituents at Holyrood. 

The party’s executive will reportedly meet next week to discuss a timetable for the new leader’s appointment, with one of the Lib Dems’ three remaining MSPs likely to replace him.

Edinburgh MSP Alex Cole-Hamilton, who faced heavy criticism last year after being caught mouthing “fuck you” at an SNP minister on Holyrood’s equalities and human rights committee, has been widely tipped as the frontrunner and Mr Rennie’s replacement could be announced within weeks. 

The party’s other MSPs, Beatrice Wishart and Liam McArthur, are also possibilities, as is Lib Dem MP and former police officer Wendy Chamberlain.