Independent MSP condemns MP’s ‘deliberate attack on a fellow politician’

An independent Highlands and Islands MSP has condemned Alistair Carmichael for not taking responsibility for the leaked memo before the findings of a Cabinet Office inquiry were released this afternoon.

Jean Urquhart MSP said: “Mr Carmichael’s actions go far beyond a simple ‘error of judgement’ – this was a calculated and deeply cynical attempt to undermine the integrity of Scotland’s First Minister during the election campaign.

“It was a deliberate attack on a fellow politician and this incident seriously calls into question Mr Carmichael’s fitness to continue as MP for Orkney and Shetland.”

She added: “Politics is all about best judgement and integrity, and he has failed his constituents on both counts – by falsifying the memo and leaking it in the first place, and then by delaying his admission of guilt until after the election.

“Mr Carmichael is the Liberal Democrats’ ‘last man standing’ in Scotland – but only as a result of intentionally deceiving them about his role in this underhanded attempt to undermine Nicola Sturgeon.”

Mrs Urquhart, who is visiting Shetland, said she has spoken to a number of residents today who were “shocked and appalled by Mr Carmichael’s behaviour”.

She concluded: “It is incredible that he believes he can continue to represent the constituents he has openly misled.”