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Orkney and Shetland is a constituency of the House of Commons of the Parliament of the United Kingdom. It elects one Member of Parliament (MP) by the first past the post system of election. In the Scottish Parliament, Orkney and Shetland are separate constituencies. The constituency was known as Orkney and Zetland - an alternative name for Shetland. Boundaries The constituency is made up of the two island groups Orkney, and Shetland. A constituency of this name has existed continuously since 1708, which may be a record. However before 1918 the town of Kirkwall (the capital of Orkney) formed part of the Northern Burghs constituency. Uniquely, the constituencies boundaries are protected by legislation, as rule 3a of the Boundary Commission rules states: "A constituency which includes the Orkney Islands or the Shetland Islands shall not include the whole or any part of a local government area other than the Orkney Islands and the Shetland Islands." * This rule was added in the late 90s as a by-product of the legislation establishing the Scottish parliament. Member of Parliament The constituency has elected only Liberal and Liberal Democrat MPs since 1950, the longest run of any UK constituency. In each general election from 1955 until 1979, and again in 1987, it was the safest Liberal seat in the UK. Elections in the 2000s Elections in the 1990s Elections in the 1980s Elections in the 1970s Elections in the 1960s Elections in the 1950s Elections in the 1940s Elections in the 1930s General election of 1931 In the 1931 UK general election, Robert William Hamilton was elected unopposed. Elections in the 1920s General election of 1924 In the 1924 UK general election, Robert William Hamilton was elected unopposed. Orkney and Shetland By-Election 17th May 1921 In the 1921 Orkney and Shetland by-election, Malcolm Smith was elected unopposed. Elections in the 1910s General election of 1918 In the 1918 UK general election, Cathcart Wason was elected unopposed. General election of December 1910 In the December 1910 UK general election, Cathcart Wason was elected unopposed. Elections in the 1900s Elections in the 1890s Elections in the 1880s Sources See also | |||||||
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