WILLIE Rennie is under growing pressure after he declined to appear on BBC Scotland to face questions about the Westminster paedophile cover-up revelations.

On Tuesday, LibDem peer David Steel quit the party after the Independent Inquiry into Child Sexual Abuse (IICSA) found he “did nothing” despite knowing about the predatory behaviour of prolific paedophile Cyril Smith.

The report’s publication also lead to difficult questions for the Scottish Lib Dem leader.

Last year Rennie led an investigation into Steel's lack of action, but cleared the peer, saying there were "no grounds for action".

READ MORE: Shocking report reveals the extent of Westminster child abuse cover-up

Yesterday, in a statement, Steel said that he was the real victim: "I regret the time spent on pursuing Leon Brittan, Lord Bramall and others, who it is clear had done no wrong. Not having secured a parliamentary scalp, I fear that I have been made a proxy for Cyril Smith."

Steel was criticised by abuse and human rights lawyer Richard Scorer, who represents some of Smith’s victims.

During a Good Morning Scotland interview, Scorer hit out at Steel. "I think these excuses are very lame," he said.

READ MORE: These are the roles politicians played in shocking child abuse cover-up

BBC News - Former leader Lord Steel quits Liberal Democrats after inquiry said he "turned a blind eye" to claims of child abuse.
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