Labour MP dies after cancer battle

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Mr MacDougall, 60, lost his battle with cancer at the Victoria Hospital in Kirkcaldy, Fife.

A Labour Party spokesman said: "All our thoughts are with his family at this time."

Mr MacDougall was a close friend and political ally of Gordon Brown, who represents the neighbouring Kirkcaldy and Cowdenbeath constituency.

Mr Brown visited him in hospital on Monday, and spent time chatting to him. His death will now trigger a by-election.

The last by-election fought in Fife, in February 2006, saw the Liberal Democrats seize power in a strong Labour seat.

Former oil rig construction yard worker Mr MacDougall underwent surgery at Guy's Hospital in London last year to try to treat the asbestos-related cancer mesothelioma.

He had served Fife for more than 20 years, after being elected to Fife Regional Council in 1982.

Mr MacDougall later became the leader of the council and also served as the director of Glenrothes Development Corporation and Fife Enterprise before being elected to the House of Commons.

He was elected as the MP for Central Fife in 2001.