Alistair Carmichael (acting)Willie Rennie Alex Cole-Hamilton The 2021 Scottish Liberal Democrats leadership election was triggered on 12 July 2021 after incumbent leader Willie Rennie announced his intention to step down as leader of the Scottish Liberal Democrats following the 2021 Scottish Parliament election.

On 27 July, Edinburgh Western MSP Alex Cole-Hamilton announced his intention to run for leader.

Only sitting MSPs may seek nominations to become leader, with Cole-Hamilton the only one to announce their candidacy.

The party's executive stated its aim to conduct the election before Holyrood returns from its summer recess.

[3] As only Cole-Hamilton announced his candidacy for the leadership,[4] he was declared the leader of the party on 20 August.