The head teacher at Gordon Brown's former school has emerged as a strong contender to be Labour's candidate in the Glenrothes byelection.

Lindsay Roy, head of Kirkcaldy High School, is in the running to be selected to defend a 10,600 majority against a strong challenge from the SNP. The poll, which is likely to be held towards the end of October, could be crucial to the Prime Minister's long-term survival in Downing Street after Labour's catastrophic defeat last month to the Nationalists in Glasgow East.

Party sources in Fife have told The Times that Mr Robb, one of the most well-known and respected head teachers in Scotland, is a friend of Mr Brown, who has taken a keen interest in the fortunes of his old school. However, they were unable to say whether the Prime Minister had spoken to Mr Roy about putting himself forward as candidate when the local party makes its choice on Monday. Yesterday the Daily Record, the Labour-supporting Scottish tabloid, reported that Mr Brown, who holds the neighbouring Kirkcaldy and Cowdenbeath seat, was to take personal charge of Labour's by-election campaign. He was reported to be discussing tactics and “would play a major part in picking the candidate”.

Mr Brown, who grew up in Kirkcaldy, used one of his first speeches as Prime Minister to pay tribute to the role of the local high school in his early life and the quality of its education at that time.

On his first day as leader Mr Brown stood outside No 10 and said: “I went to the local school. I wouldn't be standing here without the opportunities that I received there and I want the best chances for everyone.”

Mr Brown entered Kirkcaldy High in 1961, aged 10, and studied there for six years before going to Edinburgh University.

Mr Roy, who is in his fifties, had been head teacher at another school in the area before being appointed to Kirkcaldy High in May in what was described as a “troubleshooting” role after it was roundly criticised in a report by inspectors for poor exam results, disruptive behaviour and low staff morale. Staff at the 1,300-pupil school were told to address declining standards in 2006. But a follow-up report has found that problems have become more severe.

Mr Roy was appointed a CBE in 2004 for services to education and is a member of the local Labour Party in Glenrothes. If selected, his main opponent would be Peter Grant, the SNP leader of Fife Council.

Labour sources said yesterday that Mr Roy's high local profile would make him a formidable candidate. However, the SNP requires a swing of 14.7 per cent in the seat, much less than the 22 per cent swing it achieved in Glasgow East.

Tavish Scott began his first full day as leader of the Scottish Liberal Democrats with a visit to Glenrothes, where his party has already chosen Harry Wills as its candidate for the by-election triggered by the death of the Labour MP John MacDougall.

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