Lib Dems call for 'two powerful votes' to boost Holyrood's powers Scottish Liberal Democrat leader Willie Rennie has called for unionist parties to make a firm commitment to giving the Scottish Parliament more autonomy ahead of next year's referendum. Mr Rennie wants his Labour and Conservative counterparts to reassure voters that efforts will be made to reform Holyrood if independence is rejected. The Liberal Democrats favour establishing "home rule" for Scotland within a federal UK structure, under a beefed-up Holyrood. "We need a joint leaders' statement before the referendum - a declaration of right or a new claim of right, committing parties to deliver reforms to bring a stronger, more accountable parliament," he said. It will send a powerful and clear message to those who want a better Britain and give confidence to any who doubt it will happen. The Scottish Tories have already set up their own commission, chaired by Lord Strathclyde, to examine possible ways of strengthening devolution, while the SNP insist that only independence will guarantee more powers. Mr Rennie, speaking ahead of the West of Scotland Liberal Democrat conference in Glasgow, said: "We can show that reform will happen with the support of the people, secured at the 2015 general election. Two years, two powerful votes. A vote in favour of the UK in 2014 and a vote for a more powerful Scottish Parliament in 2015.