News / New funding bid to oust Carmichael
A NEW bid to raise funds to have northern isles MP Alistair Carmichael’s election in May annulled has been launched.
The campaign group The People Versus Carmichael launched their second crowdfunding bid less than three weeks before the legal case is due to be heard in Edinburgh’s Court of Session.
The campaigners say they need to raise more money to protect the four Orkney-based petitioners financially in case legal costs go through the roof.
The four petitioners – Timothy Morrison, Euphemie Matheson, Fiona Grahame and Carolyn Welling – claim that Carmichael breached the Representation of the People Act 1983 by lying about his involvement in leaking a private government email about Scottish first minister Nicola Sturgeon.
In June a crowdfunding appeal raised more than its £60,000 target to help bring the case to court in the first place.
Now the campaigners say more money needs to be raised to cover the possibility of an appeal being lodged after the initial hearing.
Any money raised that is not spent will be donated to foodbank charities, the campaigners say.
Carmichael has lodged a defence saying that he has broken no law.
Become a supporter of Shetland News
Shetland News is asking its many readers to consider start paying for their dose of the latest local news delivered straight to their PC, tablet or mobile phone.
Journalism comes at a price and because that price is not being paid in today’s rapidly changing media world, most publishers - national and local - struggle financially despite very healthy audience figures.
Most online publishers have started charging for access to their websites, others have chosen a different route. Shetland News currently has over 630 supporters who are all making small voluntary financial contributions. All funds go towards covering our cost and improving the service further.
Your contribution will ensure Shetland News can: -
- Bring you the headlines as they happen;
- Stay editorially independent;
- Give a voice to the community;
- Grow site traffic further;
- Research and publish more in-depth news, including more Shetland Lives features.
If you appreciate what we do and feel strongly about impartial local journalism, then please become a supporter of Shetland News by either making a single payment or monthly subscription.
Support us from as little as £3 per month – it only takes a minute to sign up. Thank you.