Gordon Brown has paid tribute to John MacDougall MP, Labour MP for Glenrothes, who died today.

The Prime Minister Gordon Brown MP said:

John MacDougall gave more than thirty years of distinguished public service to Fife – as  a councillor, leader of the Fife council, convenor of Fife council and then Member of Parliament for Central Fife and he will be remembered as a true servant of the people.

A very popular, diligent local Member of Parliament, he served Fife with great distinction in all the roles he played.

In Fife he pioneered free travel for the elderly, led Scotland and Britain with nursery education for three and four year olds; was successful in pressing for new jobs and investment to replace thousands of jobs lost in mining and at Rosyth naval base, and was well known for his support for all local causes.  Over three decades he has been a good personal friend of mine and I visited him on Monday.

Our heartfelt condolences go to his widow, Cathy, to his son and daughter, Scott and Julie and to his mother and sister.

Des Browne MP, Secretary of State for Scotland, said:

I was very sad to hear of the death of John MacDougall, and my thoughts are with his wife Cathy and children Julie and Scott at this difficult time.  John was an excellent Member of Parliament and will be sadly missed by colleagues of all parties. He was a doughty fighter for the people of Fife over many years, as a trade unionist, long-standing councillor and dedicated Member of Parliament.
 
Harriet Harman, Deputy Leader and Chair of the Labour Party, said:

John MacDougall was totally loyal to the Labour Party he served so well and I greatly valued his support.  A proud Fifer, he was well respected by party colleagues, constituents and trade unionists. We will all miss his outstanding contribution. Our thoughts are with his family.