Glenrothes by-election winner Lindsay Roy arrives in Westminster

Published on Tuesday 11 November 2008 22:34

LABOUR'S surprise victor in last week's Glenrothes by-election arrived in Westminster today to take his Commons seat.

In a stunning defiance of the odds and a sign of Gordon Brown's improving fortunes, Lindsay Roy increased the party's vote share and saw off the Scottish National Party by 6,737 votes.

It was seen as a major personal boost for the Prime Minister, who broke with tradition by joining the campaign on the ground in the seat, which neighbours his own.

Mr Roy, the 59-year-old headteacher of Mr Brown's former school, was welcomed by the Prime Minister at 10 Downing Street this morning.

He will swear an oath to the Queen under the eyes of his party leader shortly after Prime Minister's question time.

A married father of three, Mr Roy is a church elder and a keen mountain biker and footballer who once played in a Scottish Cup tie.

He takes the place of John MacDougall, who died in August after being diagnosed with the asbestos-related cancer mesothelioma.

His Commons introduction comes just over a month after that of the SNP's John Mason, who snatched the Glasgow East seat from Labour in July.

That contest featured a 22.53% swing from Labour to the SNP, compared with only 4.96% at Glenrothes.