The Glenrothes By-election 2008

'the SNP pounced on the decision claiming Mr Roy was "hand-picked" by Gordon Brown. SNP MSP for Central Fife Tricia Marwick said: "This selection is no surprise and proves that Gordon Brown is pulling the strings in Glenrothes."' The Sun, 2 nd September 2008.

By-election man has Brown link

By Staff Reporter in the Sun 2 nd September 2008

A HEADTEACHER from Gordon BrownÕs old school has been chosen as Labour's candidate for the Glenrothes by-election.

Lindsay Roy, 59, was one of three fighting the seat for Labour left vacant by the death of Labour MP John MacDougall.

Mr Roy became rector at Mr BrownÕs old school, Kirkcaldy High School in Fife, earlier this year. After he was selected last night, Mr Roy said: "I am delighted and honoured to be selected to fight this seat.

"I will work hard for every vote because I have seen myself the huge difference that Labour has made to our communities in Fife."

A Labour Party spokesman said: "Lindsay Roy is an outstanding Fife headteacher and will be an outstanding Fife MP.

"He has inspired generations of young Fifers and is regarded as one of the best school leaders in Scotland."

Majority

The party made its choice from the shortlist, including Colin Davidson, 49, a teacher from Cupar, and Kezia Dugdale, 27, a parliamentary researcher for Labour MSP Lord Foulkes, at a meeting in Glenrothes.

Although Labour is defending a majority of 10,664, it faces a difficult by-election in a seat in Mr BrownÕs political back yard.

It comes after the SNPÕs sensational by-election victory in Glasgow East where Labour lost what should have been a safe seat, and other by-election reverses for the party.

The SNP has chosen Peter Grant, the leader of Fife Council, as its candidate.

The Liberal Democrats have selected Harry Wills, a former chief executive of several local companies.

The Conservatives have picked former student leader Maurice Golden.

But the SNP pounced on the decision claiming Mr Roy was "hand-picked" by Gordon Brown. SNP MSP for Central Fife Tricia Marwick said: "This selection is no surprise and proves that Gordon Brown is pulling the strings in Glenrothes."