McLeish ‘out of Glenrothes running’
Former Scottish first minister Henry McLeish will not be standing as Labour’s candidate in Glenrothes, he has confirmed.
Mr McLeish had been widely linked to the seat after sitting MP John MacDougall died last week.
But he has now moved to quash further speculation by insisting that both he and Scottish political life have “moved on”.
“I feel I have assumed a new role in public life which allows me to work in a number of ways for the future of Scotland,” he told Holyrood Magazine.
“I believe I can be of value to Scotland and the Labour party from a position outwith elected service. These are challenging times but, despite recent setbacks, I am confident Glenrothes remains a winnable seat for Labour.
“Both in the constituency and in the wider arena, I will be happy to provide what support I can.”
Mr McLeish has shifted his career to broadcasting, writing and lecturing after serving as first minister. He found himself out of office within a year after becoming involved in a scandal over expenses.
A Scottish Labour party spokesperson refused to confirm or deny Mr McLeish’s expected candidacy for selection in Glenrothes, a constituency they are widely expected to lose in the by-election.
The Scottish National party won the corresponding seat in last year’s Holyrood elections and faces an easier struggle than was needed to oust Labour from Glasgow East.
They must overturn Mr MacDougall’s majority of 10,664 in the by-election, which must take place before mid-November.
