LEGAL moves to overturn the election result in Alistair Carmichael’s Orkney and Shetland constituency will be made today, even if a crowdfunding bid fails to reach its target – as lawyers have pledged to help campaigners free of charge.
The People Versus Carmichael was launched on crowdfunding site Indiegogo two days ago by “residents of Orkney and Shetland who are disappointed in the behaviour of their MP and want our politics conducted honestly and without smears”.
Its stated goal was to raise an election petition in the courts, but the group warned that their action had to be swift.
“The petition has to be lodged within 21 days of the General Election, meaning by this Friday. That process will cost in the region of £5,000 for each party. That only gets the process started,” said the group.
“The case is extremely unusual and we may find ourselves facing three teams of barristers. Our lawyers have said, that if costs are found against us or we have to share them, we could be liable for something like £40 to 50,000. Indiegogo also takes a cut of any funds received – hence the figure of needing to raise something like £60,000.”
Last night the fund was approaching the £40,000 mark, but Fiona Macinnes, a Kirkwall resident in whose name the petition was lodged, told The National the action would proceed either way.
“The response has been absolutely amazing,” she said, while stressing that the group was non-political.
“People really want to take ownership of this case. The issue is bigger than one individual.
“Although the crowdfunding total is still rising, we have had help from some members of the legal profession who are offering their services gratis.
“I don’t know the full legal ins and outs of it, but there will be papers lodged before close of business tomorrow.”
As pressure continued to mount on Carmichael to resign and fight a by-election, We the People of Shetland – another group with no political affiliation – released an open letter to their LibDem MP.
It stated: “The constitution of Mr Carmichael’s party states that ‘The Liberal Democrats exist to build and safeguard a fair, free and open society...’ the information withheld by Mr Carmichael prevented the election in Orkney and Shetland being run in this way. We need a fair race where all constituents are aware of the entirety of Mr Carmichael’s 14 year career, including his actions which have generated such a variety of feelings both locally and nationally.
“It is our view that politics should be conducted in an open, honest and transparent way.
“We believe a by-election is necessary so that this issue does not drag on and become divisive within our community. It is essential that whoever wins can say they did so on a ticket of honesty.”
The dozen signatories said that if Carmichael had not resigned by Saturday, they would gather signatures at the Market Cross in Lerwick and present the letter to him later.
The developments came as one of Carmichael’s LibDem colleagues said the former Scottish Secretary faced a “long road to recovery”.
Tavish Scott, the MSP for Shetland, said he felt “let down” by Carmichael’s actions.
He said: “We have worked together for 14 years for Shetland. People come to see both of us to solve problems. I too feel let down. No wonder many people across the islands do too.
“But Alistair’s handling of this matter is not the Alistair I know.”
He added: “Alistair has a long road to recovery with many people. But he should walk that road.”
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