Dunfermline & West Fife by-election 2006

'Nor did the gay rent-boy scandals of the Liberal Democrat leadership race seem to ruffle any feathers in Fife, any more than Charlie's battle with the bottle. Who says provincial Scots are homophobic? Even the socially conservative former mining villages of West Fife, where Labour's vote has traditionally been weighed rather than counted, turned to the 'Limp Dems' as the Sun styled the party. The politics of diversity have arrived in Scotland.' Iain Macwhirter in the Sunday Herald, 12 th February 2006.

Brown insists he's ready to fight for leadership

By James Kickup in the Scotsman 13 th February 2006

GORDON Brown insisted yesterday that he was happy to face a contest for the Labour leadership when Tony Blair steps down, even as he continued to polish his image as Britain's next prime minister.

While the Chancellor denied there was an pact with Tony Blair about the succession, he is actively engaged in a political offensive that many Labour insiders believe marks the start of a managed hand-over.

In a heavily trailed speech, Mr Brown will today set out more of his thinking on terrorism, patriotism and community relations.

It is the latest in a carefully planned series of events meant to broaden the Chancellor's appeal and soften his dour image. Future speeches will deal with education, science and the environment.

The Chancellor has also had a subtle personal makeover: appearing on the BBC's Sunday AM yesterday, he abandoned his habitual red tie for a soft pink model, and took obvious pains to smile and laugh.

After presenting medals to Second World War veterans this morning, Mr Brown will call for a renewed focus on Veterans' Day, suggesting a government-funded archive to preserve the memories of the wartime generation.

He will also call for more efforts to integrate young British Muslims into wider society, "so we tackle together not just terrorism but the roots of terrorism".

Meanwhile, Mr Brown accepted that he bore some responsibility for Labour's shock by-election loss in Dunfermline and West Fife last week.

The defeat, which followed a campaign dominated by Mr Brown, has led to speculation about the Chancellor's chances of succeeding Mr Blair. While Mr Brown remains the overwhelming favourite, the Dunfermline result could embolden would-be rivals.

Charles Clarke, the Home Secretary and an ally of Mr Blair, said yesterday he would be "very surprised if there weren't a leadership contest" when the Prime Minister steps down.

Mr Brown's friends are comfortable with the prospect of fighting a little-known challenger from the Labour left wing. But battling an avowedly Blairite candidate, such as Mr Clarke or John Reid, the Defence Secretary, would hamper Mr Brown's attempts to portray himself as a moderate, centrist figure.

Asked about a possible challenge, Mr Brown replied: "If and when Tony Blair stands down, that's the right of the Labour Party, and I would be perfectly happy for that to happen."

He insisted his new charm offensive did not signal an agreement with Tony Blair about his job.

"There is no deal or no understanding like that at all - I am putting my ideas forward as Chancellor," Mr Brown said.