Willie Rennie is not whimpering in a cupboard - Brian Taylor

Brian Taylor used the backdrop of the hurricane to discuss the current state of Scottish politics in his blog the other day.

There was praise for the Liberal Democrats at Holyrood and new leader Willie Rennie:

The Lib Dems at Holyrood are fairly settled.

Decidedly fewer MSPs than they had bargained for - but a federal party constitution and a newly elected leader in Willie Rennie who has plainly opted to "go for it": to disdain the option of whimpering in a cupboard, choosing instead to offer his views, strongly, on anything and everything

This is the latest in a long line of accolades in our leader's direction and highlights his resilience and relevance. Willie will never be the whimpering sort - and is exactly what the party needs to motivate it and keep it going. The Holyrood stuff is actually the thin end of what he's been doing. He's the first leader in a while who appears to actually like the party, to relish spending time with the grassroots.  He's making a huge effort to listen and consult - but also to motivate and get people out there on the doors talking to people. He recently told a gathering of Council candidates and campaigners to ask themselves every day how they can further their election bids. He's a rounded character - his fingerprints are all over free personal care and tuition fees from the first coalition term at Holyrood when he was Chief of Staff, and he knows what he's talking about when he gives campaign advice and leads by example by getting out on the streets with them. 


In contrast, Taylor talks about the "guddle and introspection" in the Labour party who will not choose it's leader until 17th December. He also asks how Murdo Fraser can continue to serve in the Scottish Conservatives if he loses their leadership contest.