Internet crowd-funding bid to oust Alistair Carmichael raises £11,000… And rising

A crowd-fund campaign to oust Orkney and Shetland MP Alistair Carmichael from his seat, has raised more than £11,000.

The People Versus Carmichael campaign, on Indie GoGo, hopes to challenge the election result in the wake of last week’s revelations that Mr Carmichael had leaked a controversial memo of a conversation between the French ambassador and Nicola Sturgeon.

The memo reported that the first minister had claimed she wanted David Cameron to remain in Downing Street – an allegation denied by Ms Sturgeon.

The SNP has said Mr Carmichael, who originally denied knowing about the memo until it was reported in the press, should step down due to his “credibility crisis”.

Under UK law, it is possible to challenge an election result in the courts.

In order to raise an election petition, complainers must raise more than £5,000.

Campaigners on the website state: “This campaign is not supported by any political party but by residents of Orkney and Shetland who are disappointed in the behaviour of their MP and want our politics conducted honestly and without smears.