Lib Dems reselect Carmichael to contest Northern Isles seat

Northern Isles MP Alistair Carmichael has been unanimously reselected by members of the Orkney and Shetland Liberal Democrats to contest the seat in the 2015 general election.

Mr Carmichael was first selected as a candidate for Orkney and Shetland ahead of the 2001 general election, after Jim Wallace stepped down, and has represented the constituency since then.

He said: “I am delighted to be reselected as the Liberal Democrat candidate to stand as MP for 2015. I expect it to be a lively contest and I do not take continued support for granted.

“I have been an MP for 12 and a half years and in that time the Northern Isles has truly become home. My wife and I have raised our family here and we have many roots in the community here in Orkney.”

Mr Carmichael added: “Being the Northern Isles for the past 12 years has been a privilege and I am honoured to be given the chance to continue this. It is a great responsibility to be able to represent local people in Westminster. If re-elected I promise to work hard on behalf of all of the residents of our area, regardless of political views. My work as MP continues alongside my role in Government.”