Following Nicol Stephen’s surprise resignation as leader of the Scottish Lib Dems, three MSPs have declared their intent to succeed him, according to today’s papers. Here’s The Times:

Tavish Scott, the former Transport Minister, who is widely tipped as the favourite to replace Nicol Stephen as leader, formally announced his bid only hours after the former Rural Affairs Minister, Ross Finnie, made it clear he too was running. … Mr Scott, who is close to Mr Stephen, has won the backing of six of the party’s MSPs and five MPs. He also enjoys the support of the former UK party leader, Menzies Campbell.

He will face a tough challenge in Mr Finnie, 61, who said that he decided to contest the leadership after taking soundings from colleagues and family. … Mr Finnie claimed that the Liberal Democrats had failed to convey their message leaving voters unsure of what they stood for. He promised a sharper campaigning edge if elected. He defended the decision taken by the party leadership last year not to form a coalition with the SNP administration at Holyrood – a decision in which Mr Scott had been influential – but said that he was relaxed about a referendum on more powers for Holyrood. Both Mr Finnie and Mr Scott are set against a referendum on independence.

Mike Rumbles announced his leadership bid last week, and wrote about his reasons why on Lib Dem Voice here. (All candidates have been offered the chance to submit an article).

The winner of the leadership contest will be announced on 26th August.