Former First Minister Henry McLeish will not stand as the Labour candidate in the Glenrothes by-election.

Speaking exclusively to Holyrood Magazine, McLeish said that although the idea of standing as a prospective MP for Glenrothes was “extremely tempting” he wished to end speculation which could be damaging to the Labour Party.

“Following the tragic death of John MacDougall MP, my friend and colleague over many years, I was approached to give consideration to the nomination for the Glenrothes seat, which I represented for some 30 years as councillor and at Westminster and Holyrood. There has also been considerable speculation in the media. While I am appreciative of the interest shown, I have decided not to allow my name to go forward. I hope this will end the speculation and allow the Party to concentrate on the selection of the candidate and retaining the seat for Labour.

“Scotland has moved on, the constituency has moved on and I have moved on. I feel I have assumed a new role in public life which allows me to work in a number of ways for the future of Scotland. I have been pleased to make a constructive contribution in such vital areas as broadcasting and prisons and - through writing, broadcasting and lecturing - to the continuing political debate about Scotland’s future. This I will continue to do.

“I believe I can be of value to Scotland and the Labour Party from a position outwith elected service. These are challenging times but, despite recent setbacks, I am confident Glenrothes remains a winnable seat for Labour. Both in the constituency and in the wider arena, I will be happy to provide what support I can.”

Since resigning as First Minister in 2001 over an expenses debacle, McLeish has been seen as a Labour politician who has managed to reinvent himself as a respected academic and political commentator. As well as stints as a lecturer at universities in America he has also been embraced by the new SNP Government in the Scottish Parliament and has chaired the Prisons Commission and sat on the Broadcasting Commission. He has published a number of books and is completing a further volume on Scottish identity which is due to be published later this year.

McLeish will join Holyrood Magazine as a columnist from next month and will also front a series of ‘Politics Explained’ policy events for Holyrood Magazine.