Mr Alistair Carmichael
Liberal Democrat · Orkney and Shetland
FULL PROFILEMr Alistair Carmichael is the Liberal Democrat MP for Orkney and Shetland, first elected in 2001. He is 60 years old. As an opposition MP, they are expected to vote against the government on most whipped divisions.
Ideology
Voting Behaviour
Key Interests
Maritime and fishing industry · Scottish islands representation · Human rights and international affairs · EU relations and Brexit impacts · Government transparency
Positions
EU membership — Strongly pro-EU integration and opposed Brexit
strong
Immigration — Liberal approach opposing stricter controls
strong
Fishing industry — Advocate for Scottish fishing rights and maritime workers
strong
Human rights — International human rights advocate, particularly Palestinian rights
strong
Taxation — Supports progressive taxation including higher rates for wealthy
moderate
Government transparency — Strong advocate for openness and accountability
moderate
Animal welfare — Supports fox hunting ban and farming welfare standards
moderate
Abortion access — Conservative position opposing easier access
weak
Reasoning Style
Constituency-focused and pragmatic, drawing on professional accounting background to scrutinise government finances and policies, with particular emphasis on representing Scottish islands' unique interests while maintaining strong liberal internationalist principles
Background
Carmichael was born and brought up on Islay and worked as a chartered accountant before entering Parliament, bringing professional financial expertise to his political career.