People v Carmichael petition in Court of Session this week

The petition seeking to overturn the election of Northern Isles MP Alistair Carmichael during the last UK General Election will be called at the Court of Session this week.

A crowd funding appeal — The People Versus Carmichael — was launched after Mr Carmichael admitted, on May 22, that he was responsible for leaking a false memo about Nicola Sturgeon’s conversation with the French Ambassador, but had denied any knowledge of it until after the General Election.

A total of £61,448 was donated over the month that the fundraiser was online. Representing 102 per cent of the target, the cash came from 3,968 individuals — averaging approximately £15.50 each.

According to the campaign group, a “by order” hearing will be held in Edinburgh on Thursday by Lady Paton. This is a hearing of a case called by the court and not on motion by either of the involved parties.

Legal arguments are likely to be heard on Thursday on the procedural aspects of the case, and a date could be set for a full hearing.