LABOUR is facing another critical by-election in Scotland following the death of MP John MacDougall.

Graham Dines

LABOUR is facing another critical by-election in Scotland following the death of MP John MacDougall.

The 60-year-old member for Glenrothes in Fife had been ill for a long time, suffering from mesothelioma.

First elected in 2001 to the constituency neighbouring that of Prime Minister Gordon Brown, he is a former convenor of Fife council. Mr MacDougall, who had strong pro-European politician, was also a former vice-president of the Assembly of the European Regions.

Following the Scottish Nationalists' sensational Glasgow East by-election victory last month, the SNP will fancy its chances of overturning Labour's 10,664 majority achieved at the last General Election.

2005 election result: Labour 19,395 (51.9%), SNP 8,731 (23.4%), Liberal Democrat 4,728 (12.7%), Conservative 2,651 (7.1%), Pensioners' Pay Scotland 716 (1.9%), Scottish Socialist Party 705 (1.9%), UK Independence Party 440 (1.2%). Lab majority: 10,664 (28.54%). Turnout: 56.14%. By-election swing needed for SNP victory: 14.28%