MP back on Lib Dem frontbench
ISLES MP Alistair Carmichael has rejoined the Liberal Democrat frontbench as shadow secretary of state for Scotland and Northern Ireland.
He resigned seven months ago after defying the party whip to vote in favour of a referendum on the controversial European Treaty of Lisbon.
His appointment to the dual role comes despite Prime Minister Gordon Brown’s decision last week to restore the role of Scottish secretary, which had been held jointly by Des Browne with defence, to a single Cabinet post. Jim Murphy is the new incumbent.
Mr Carmichael said: “I am delighted to have been invited back into Nick Clegg’s shadow cabinet. The decision to resign earlier this year was a very difficult one. I am very pleased that, time having passed, I am again able to contribute to the Liberal Democrat frontbench.
“The Westminster dimension to Scottish politics is more important than it has ever been and I shall be working with Liberal Democrat colleagues in the Scottish Parliament to ensure Scotland’s best interests are not lost sight of as the SNP and Labour continue to squabble over their own narrow agendas.”
