Profile

Former Liberal Democrat Peer

Entered the House of Lords on 16 October 2001

Previously MP for Caithness, Sutherland and Easter Ross until 14 May 2001 — General election

Left the House of Lords on 17 January 2020

Positions held at time of appointment: Member of Parliament for Caithness, Sutherland and Easter Ross, 1997-2001 and for Caithness and Sutherland, 1966-97. Leader, SDP, 1987-88; Liberal Democrat spokesman for: home affairs and the arts, 1988-94, on constitutional affairs and culture, 1994-2001. (from Number 10 press release)

Entered the House of Commons on 31 March 1966 — General election

Also represented Caithness, Sutherland and Easter Ross; Caithness and Sutherland

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Social Media

• UK Parliament Profile

Other offices held in the past

• Spokesperson for the Cabinet Office, Spokesperson for Constitutional Affairs, Spokesperson for Scotland ( 8 Jan 2009 to 11 May 2010)
• Scotland, Scottish and Northern Ireland Affairs ( 6 Mar 2008 to 8 Jan 2009)
• Spokesperson in the Lords, Ministry of Justice (27 Jul 2007 to 8 Jan 2009)
• Spokesperson in the Lords, Scottish Affairs ( 6 Jul 2007 to 6 Mar 2008)
• Spokesperson In the Lords (With Special Responsibility for Civil Service Reform) ( 5 Jul 2007 to 8 Jan 2009)
• Spokesperson In the Lords (With Special Responsibility for Civil Service Reform), Cabinet Office ( 1 Jun 2005 to 5 Jul 2007)
• Spokesperson in the Lords, Foreign & Commonwealth Affairs (22 Feb 2005 to 1 Jun 2005)
• Spokesperson in the Lords, Scotland (22 Feb 2005 to 6 Jul 2007)
• Shadow Minister, Foreign & Commonwealth Affairs (26 Jan 2004 to 22 Feb 2005)
• Party Chair, Liberal Democrats ( 1 Jan 1995 to 31 Dec 1998)
• Joint Leader, Social & Liberal Democrats ( 3 Mar 1988 to 16 Jul 1988)
• Leader of the Social Democratic Party (28 Aug 1987 to 16 Jul 1988)
• Shadow Spokesperson (Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs) ( 1 Jan 1980 to 2 Mar 1981)
• Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department of Prices and Consumer Protection) ( 5 Mar 1974 to 4 May 1979)
• Shadow Spokesperson (Defence) ( 1 Jul 1972 to 31 Dec 1974)
• Shadow Spokesperson (Scotland) (18 Jun 1970 to 30 Jun 1972)

Public bill committees (Sittings attended)

• International Criminal Court Bill Committee (9 out of 10)