The Labour MP dedicated more than 30 years of service to Fife, as a councillor, leader of Fife Regional Council and as a Member of Parliament.

Mr MacDougall (60), had been battling Mesothelioma, a cancer of the lining of the lungs, for some time, and was a patient at the Victoria Hospital where he died yesterday (Wednesday) morning.

Prime Minister and Kirkcaldy MP Gordon Brown paid tribute to Mr MacDougall, after visiting him in hospital on Monday, regarding him as a 'true servant of the people'.

He said: "He was a very popular, diligent local MP, he served Fife with great distinction in all the roles he played.

"In Fife he pioneered free travel for the elderly; led Scotland and Britain with nursery education for three and four-year-olds; was successful in pressing for new jobs and investment to replace thousands of jobs lost in mining and at Rosyth naval base, and was well known for his support for all local causes.

"Our heartfelt condolences go to his widow, Cathy, to his son and daughter, Scott and Julie and to his mother Barbara and sister Christine. He will be greatly missed."

Fife Labour Group also paid tribute to Mr MacDougall, saying his belief in fairness and equality influenced both his politics and his leadership in Fife.

Group leader Alex Rowley said: "John has been a friend and colleague over many years and has always been a wise and positive influence on me, and on politics in Fife. John was already leader of Fife Regional Council when I first became elected. He displayed great patience, and generosity of spirit in giving younger members the opportunities to learn and progress as councillors.

"I am sure everyone who worked with him over the years will share in mourning the loss of a man whose commitment to Fife and its people drove his personal and political philosophy."

Mr MacDougall, who was born in Dunfermline was elected as a member of parliament in 2001, taking over the Central Fife seat. After constituency changes, he became MP for Glenrothes. He also served as vice-president of the Assembly of the European Regions.

Fife Council leader Peter Grant also paid tribute: "John gave over a quarter of a century of service to the people of Fife as a councillor and as an MP. He was always ready to argue passionately for what he believed in but respected the right of others to disagree with him. He also went out of his way to acknowledge the work done by councillors of all parties in looking after their constituents.

"Despite his failing health John showed great courage and determination in continuing to work for the people he represented."

Sir Menzies Campbell MP, from neighbouring constituency North East Fife, added: "Both as a councillor and as an MP, John MacDougall embodied the best traditions of public service.

"His courageous fight against illness in recent times meant that Parliament was denied his shrewd interventions on so many issues."