John MacDougall MP

Glenrothes first elected 2001

My early life was typical of those raised in the Labour movement in Fife, and I must thank my mother for making me so aware of so many issues.

Born and bred in Burntisland, I have been an active trade unionist all my adult life. I was shop stewards’ convener at RGC Methil before entering local politics in 1982. My local background, and a highly active Grange Branch, helped return a large majority, something that I maintained throughout my 19 years as a councillor for the Burntisland area. Among the many projects I was involved in, the opening of the new swimming pool in Burntisland gave me great satisfaction.

I remain in debt to those councillors who took me ‘under their wing’, particularly the late Bert Gough from whom I learned so much and to whom I am forever grateful. I became the longest serving leader of Fife Regional Council, spending nearly 9 years in post, and became leader of Fife Council in 1996. I also led COSLA before leaving to fight to keep Fife as a single local authority.

Whilst leader in Fife I promoted many initiatives, including the Superfast Ferry service from Rosyth and the Park and Ride facility to relieve the Forth Road Bridge. Along with Gordon Brown MP, I was also at the forefront of the campaign to save Rosyth Dockyard.

In Parliament, I have continued to advocate a strong relationship between local and central government, typified through my partnership with the Lee O’Brien Solvent Trust which works closely with Fife Council. I also take a keen interest in the drugs debate at all European levels.

I have continued to foster the links I developed whilst Vice- President of the Assembly of European Regions and I am currently Chairman of the all-party British-Netherlands Group of MPs.

My priorities are centred on the issue of renewable energy. It would be wonderful to see Fife’s coal industry re-emerge as clean coal technology develops. The values and principles of the mining communities were so important in developing the Labour Party in Fife. Wouldn’t it be great to see new life breathed into these communities?