Investigation into MP’s conduct dropped

THE PARLIAMENTARY standards commissioner has dropped an investigation into Northern Isles MP Alistair Carmichael, saying that the conduct in question “falls outside my remit”.

In an 11-page report considering Carmichael’s role in the leaking of a Scotland Office memo about Nicola Sturgeon, Kathryn Hudson said she was discontinuing the investigation.

Her ruling is likely to be the final chapter in a year-long saga that saw Carmichael stave off an Election Court challenge against his re-election as Shetland and Orkney MP.

Prior to the May 2015 general election, Carmichael denied on Channel 4 News having had any involvement in leaking a memo suggesting Sturgeon would prefer to see David Cameron continue as Prime Minister.

After the election he admitted that he had sanctioned the leak to the Daily Telegraph by his special adviser Euan Roddin.

Hudson’s report states that “since Mr Carmichael did not receive the information in the course of his parliamentary activities, the allegations concerning his decision to authorise its disclosure fall outside my remit”.

As a result, while making no criticism or comment on his behaviour, Hudson abandoned her investigation into whether there had been a breach of the MPs’ code of conduct.

On Wednesday, Carmichael responded by saying: “I am pleased that this is now resolved and will continue to focus on getting on with my job as MP for Orkney and Shetland.”

• You can read the parliamentary standards commissioner’s report in full here.