Alistair Carmichael

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Alistair Carmichael MP
Alistair Carmichael

Member of Parliament
for Orkney and Shetland
Incumbent
Assumed office 
7 June 2001
Preceded by Jim Wallace

In office
July 2007 – March 2008

Born 15 July 1965 (1965-07-15) (age 42)
Islay
Political party Liberal Democrat
Spouse Kate
Children 2
Residence Orkney
Alma mater University of Aberdeen
Website Alistair Carmichael MP

Alistair Morrison Carmichael (born July 15, 1965) is a Liberal Democrat politician, and Member of Parliament for the Scottish seat of Orkney and Shetland. He has been an MP since the 2001 general election.

Contents

[edit] Political career

Alistair Carmichael is currently a backbench MP. He was the Liberal Democrat Northern Ireland and Scotland Spokesman until resigning in March 2008.[1]. He also briefly served as the Liberal Democrat Home Affairs Spokesman following the resignation of Mark Oaten.

He has campaigned to simplify the forms for claiming child tax credit, saying many are not claiming the benefit due to being put off by the application process.[2]

Carmichael is a prominent member of the centre-left Beveridge Group within the Liberal Democrats, and has argued against the growth of the market liberal faction within the party (see The Orange Book: Reclaiming Liberalism).

[edit] Background and Interests

He was born on Islay and received his education at the University of Aberdeen. He is married with two children and lives in Orkney. He speaks both French and German. He lists his interests as listening to music, theatre and cooking.

[edit] References

  1. ^ Lib Dem trio quit in referendum revolt - The Independent, 05/03/2006
  2. ^ Beating Poverty: A simple Solution - Daily Record

[edit] External links

Parliament of the United Kingdom
Preceded by
Jim Wallace
Member of Parliament for Orkney and Shetland
2001 – present
Incumbent