The Glenrothes By-election 2008

'I've never understood the recent convention that prime ministers stay away from by-elections. I am joining the campaign trail ... because this by-election matters ... I believe in leading from the front.' Prime Minister Tony Blair in 1997.

New Labour leader and deputy visit central Fife

First official engagement in Methilhill - joined by Secretary of State for Scotland

From Scottish Labour, 14 th September 2008

Iain Gray, the new leader of Labour in the Scottish Parliament, and his deputy Johann Lamont yesterday visited Fife in their first official engagement.

Ê Immediately following their election, the pair travelled to Methilhill to meet local residents.

Ê The duo were welcomed by Lindsay Roy, LabourÕs candidate in the Glenrothes by-election. They then spoke to local residents around Kirkland Walk and Sycamore Drive with Des Browne, Secretary of State for Scotland.

Ê They later hosted a reception for local party activists in Glenrothes.