Sarah Brown was out knocking on doors and speaking to voters in several streets in the constituency last weekend.

And she has also been phoning scores of people who live in the area in a bid to boost support for Labour candidate Willie Bain.

The Prime Minister’s wife hit the campaign trail in last year’s Glenrothes by-election - where Labour held on to the Westminster seat despite strong pressure from the SNP.

She also introduced him ahead of his speech to the Labour Party’s annual conference, describing Gordon Brown as “my husband, my hero”.

Mr Bain welcomed Mrs Brown’s support for his campaign and said: “It was great that Sarah has been knocking on doors and now speaking to voters on the phone too.

“She has been so well received in the constituency. People here really warmed to her when she was out last week.

“When we were door-knocking, people were inviting us in to their living rooms for a coffee and a chat.”

He added: “Sarah is always welcome in Glasgow. People really take a shine to her.”

The Glasgow North East by-election is taking place on November 12. The poll was sparked by the resignation of ex-Commons speaker Michael Martin who stood down in the wake of the Westminster expenses scandal.

At the last general election Mr Martin had a majority of more than 10,100, although neither the Tories or the Liberal Democrats stood on that occasion.

A total of 13 candidates are standing for election in the constituency. As well as mainstream parties, the Glasgow North East contest is being fought by fringe candidates ranging from Glasgow Airport terrorist attack hero John Smeaton to blind former Big Brother contestant Mikey Hughes.