Alistair Carmichael says a failed court bid to oust him as an MP was a sign of “the unhealthy polarisation of Scottish politics since the referendum”.
A special election court today ruled against a petition challenging the Orkney and Shetland Lib Dem MP’s election because it had not been proven beyond reasonable doubt that he had committed an “illegal practice”.
Reacting to the verdict, Mr Carmichael said: “I am pleased with the decision of the court. Although I was always confident of winning the last few months have been a difficult and stressful time for me and my family.
“We have been enormously grateful for the tremendous levels of support received from local people, in both Orkney and Shetland, regardless of which political party they normally support.
“This support has sustained us and we are very thankful for it.”
He added: “This case was politically motivated. It was a deliberate attempt by nationalists to remove the last Scottish Liberal voice at Westminster, and is a mark of the unhealthy polarisation of Scottish politics since the referendum.
“I shall continue to represent Orkney and Shetland as a Member of Parliament to the best of my ability, as I have done for the past 14 years.
“These are very special communities, and it is where my wife and I have made our home and where we are bringing up our family. The interests of the Northern Isles have always been, and always will be my first priority. It remains an honour and a privilege to be their Member of Parliament.”
John Finnie, MSP for Highlands and Islands, called on Mr Carmichael to reconsider his position following the ruling.
He said: “A lie is a lie. Whatever the result of this case was going to be Mr Carmichael’s integrity was shot to pieces when he admitted after the election that he had lied, not only to his constituents, but to the whole country.
“I believe Mr Carmichael should seriously consider his position following this hairsplit decision by the court. Perhaps he wants to consider resigning and go into a by-election to allow him to face his constituents with the full facts and the opportunity to regain their support.”
A spokesman for the SNP said: “As today’s determination makes clear beyond reasonable doubt, Alistair Carmichael told a ‘blatant lie’ to improve his chance of re-election.
“While he prevailed in the election court on a strict interpretation of the law, it is much more doubtful that he or his party will survive the court of public opinion.”