Gordon Brown will resist calls from the shadow cabinet to replace Johann Lamont as Scottish Labour leader, according to party sources.
Reports have emerged that senior English figures were putting pressure on the former Prime Minister to be parachuted into Holyrood to take control north of the border.
The Courier has been told a number of Scottish MPs have telephoned the Kirkcaldy and Cowdenbeath representative to sound him out over the possibility.
However, it is understood Mr Brown has remained cool on the idea and insiders said his swapping Westminster for the Scottish Parliament is not a realistic option.
One said: “People have called him but he won’t do it. There is no sign of interest from him for that role. Johann is still leader.”
A member of the shadow cabinet reportedly expressed worries Nicola Sturgeon’s impending appointment as First Minister could deepen electoral problems for Labour after experiencing the inner workings of the Scottish party during the referendum campaign.
The English MP said: “Everyone has come back from Scotland shocked by how bad things are in the party there.
“Johann Lamont is deeply unimpressive she has to go. My worry is that Nicola Sturgeon could be an even tougher opponent than Alex Salmond was.
“She has more appeal to women and we are going to find ourselves in real trouble unless we respond.”
It is also understood some Scottish Labour MPs are worried about a lack of direction from Holyrood.
SNP MSP Sandra White said: “What is particularly telling is that Labour apparently thinks the answer to their problems is Gordon Brown, who never showed the slightest interest in standing for the Scottish Parliament.”