SNP tweet in Carmichael Kirk elder quit call

The SNP last night moved to close down suggestions grassroots Nationalists were attempting to get Alistair Carmichael to quit as a Kirk elder over the controversial leaking of a memo.

Alistair Carmichael: Kirk quit call. Picture: Greg Macvean

A series of tweets, apparently sent from the SNP Lossiemouth branch, suggested that a complaint should be made to the former Scottish secretary’s local Presbytery in a bid to oust him as an elder.

A tweet from the Lossiemouth, Hopeman and Burghead account pointed out that, according to Wikipedia, Mr Carmichael was a Church of Scotland elder and asked fellow Twitter users what his local parish was. A Twitter user named “Forty-Five” responded by saying: “Should be removed from that post too.” The Lossiemouth account replied: “That’s what I’m planning.”

Last night an SNP spokesperson said: “This tweet does not represent the view of the SNP or branch. The account has been closed down.” Pressure has been mounting on Mr Carmichael since it was revealed he approved publication of a Scotland Office memo, suggesting Nicola Sturgeon wanted David Cameron to stay in Downing Street.