Lib Dem leader speaks up for MP facing election court

Tim Farron, leader of the Liberal Democrats, has said he is confident that former Scottish secretary Alistair Carmichael will survive an upcoming legal challenge to his election in May.

Mr Carmichael, the MP for Orkney and Shetland and a former procurator fiscal, is facing a legal challenge from four constituents who want to see him ousted from his seat over allegations of lying.

It is alleged that he breached section 106 of the Representation of the People Act 1983 by making a “false statement” about an election candidate’s character or conduct.

Mr Farron, speaking out in defence of Mr Carmichael for the first time since he became Lib Dem leader in July, said: “I’m 100 per cent behind Alistair Carmichael. He is an outstanding constituency MP.

“The overwhelming majority of people in Orkney and Shetland massively respect him, have huge affection for him and know people sometimes make mistakes.

“My sense is that outside the political bubble the overwhelming majority of people are decent people who give people a second chance when they say sorry.”

The case against Mr Carmichael is expected to be heard at the Court of Session in Edinburgh on Monday 7 September.

If the Court of Session determines that the complaint should go ahead, an election court will be established to consider the case.