By Craig Smith

CONSERVATIVE LEADER David Cameron has challenged Prime Minister Gordon Brown to campaign on the streets of Glenrothes over the coming weeks as the Tory Party candidate for the constituency was unveiled.

Maurice Golden (28), from Newport, was yesterday named as the man charged with attempting to revive Tory fortunes in the Glenrothes area, having contested the Central Fife Scottish Parliamentary seat in 2007.

With the result likely to have a huge bearing on Mr Brown’s creditability nationally, Mr Cameron said he will be campaigning and supporting Mr Golden on the streets of Glenrothes and called on the Prime Minister to do likewise.

“Maurice is a first-class candidate bursting with energy and enthusiasm,” he said.

“I hope that Gordon Brown will rise to the challenge of campaigning in his own back yard so that the voters can see for themselves the choices on offer.

“It is time for him to stop running scared and to stand up and be counted. I will be in Glenrothes —will he?”

Scottish Conservative leader Annabel Goldie also backed Mr Golden’s selection yesterday and stressed that she, too, will support him on the campaign trail.

The Westminster seat lies vacant after the death of John MacDougall MP earlier this month, although no date for the by-election has yet been set.

Meanwhile a Fife Labour councillor tipped as a possible candidate to contest the Glenrothes seat has ruled himself out of the running.

Councillor for Lochgelly and Cardenden Mark Hood told The Courier yesterday that he had considered seeking nomination but his name was no longer in the frame.

Mr Hood will now be supporting Kirkcaldy High School head teacher Lindsay Roy, who surprised many when he threw his hat into the ring on Wednesday.

Nominations for the Labour candidate closed at noon yesterday and a short-list will be drawn up over the weekend, with those making the final stage invited to address the Glenrothes Labour Party on Monday night.

The successful candidate will be announced later that evening.

Other names thought to be interested in standing include Glenrothes councillor Kay Morrison and Colin Nikolic, a member of the Glenrothes Area Futures Group which has been campaigning for improvements to the A92.

Wemyss, Methil and Buckhaven councillor Tom Adams was also believed to be considering seeking selection but has now ruled himself out.

Fife Council leader Peter Grant has been selected by the SNP, Harry Wills is the Liberal Democrat candidate, Morag Balfour is the Scottish Socialists’ choice and Dr Kris Seunarine has been selected by UKIP.

And yesterday the Conservatives announced Maurice Golden as their candidate.

Commenting on his selection, Mr Golden described the chance to contest the seat as a “pleasure and a privilege.”

“John MacDougall was a well-respected Member of Parliament and his passing was a sad day for everyone involved in politics, not only in Fife but throughout the country,” he said.

“The people of Glenrothes face a clear choice in this Westminster by- election between Gordon Brown and a divided Labour Party and a rejuvenated Conservative Party under David Cameron and Annabel Goldie.

“A future Conservative government can deliver for the people of Glenrothes, the people of Fife and the people of the United Kingdom.

“I am fully committed to fighting this seat for the Conservative Party and delivering for the constituency,” he said.