The bruiser who’s been brought in to out-smart Salmond

The big surprise in last week’s re-shuffle was the sacking of Scottish Secretary, Michael Moore, and his replacement by the Lib Dem Chief Whip, Alistair Carmichael.

Over the next 11 months Carmichael will have an increasingly high-profile role with all the focus on the Scottish referendum. The NO side needed someone who could handle SNP leader Alex Salmond which is why he’s been given the job

My view is that Carmichael is up to it. He a big personality who is prepared to mix it and an impressive communicator who comes over well on TV.

As it looks likely that there will be TV debates it’s clear that the new ScotSec will not be fazed or outshone by Salmond.

All this will heighten Carmichael’s profile and if NO wins then that will be a big feather in his cap.

Having won a few hundred pounds on Michael Moore in the “next cabinet” exit market I’ve been re-investing part of it on Carmichael.

Currently he’s 40/1 with Bet365 for next LD leader. I also got on at 54/1 with Betfair.

In this market those with Cabinet experience should be right at the top of the betting and this price is an absolute snip – particularly given the fact that Carmichael’s got a better chance of holding his seat at GE2015 than many of his LD colleagues.

Mike Smithson

For the latest polling and political betting news

Follow @MSmithsonPB