following the resignation of jim wallace in may 2005 as leader of the scottish liberal democrats, nicol announced his intention to stand for the leadership. he defeated rival candidate, mike rumbles, who advocated ending the coalition agreement with the scottish labour party, winning 76.6%, becoming the deputy first minister on 23 june 2005. following his leadership victory, a mini-reshuffle of the scottish cabinet, saw him take on the role of minister for enterprise and lifelong learning.