ONE of Labour's rising stars has ruled herself out of the race to succeed Gordon Brown as the party's candidate in Kirkcaldy and Cowdenbeath, according to sources.
Kirsty McNeill, the former prime minister's external relations head during his time at Number 10, had been tipped as a possible candidate to replace him.
But Ms McNeill, who has remained a close ally after his departure from Downing Street and was involved in his recent writing and speeches in the referendum campaign, has no plans to fight a selection battle in Kirkcaldy, party sources said.
However, it is understood senior Scottish Labour figures are in talks with her about contesting a seat in May's general election.
She addressed Scottish Labour councillors on how to win back seats after defeats by the SNP at an event in Glasgow at the weekend.
A source said: "Kirsty realises it is natural for her to be linked to the seat as a close ally of her old boss but she has no intention of leaving her West of Scotland roots for Fife."
Mr Brown confirmed on Monday that he will not stand at the next election, ending a 32 year career at Westminster.
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