Peter Robertson (Dundee): “At the moment it seems he’s the victim of circumstances outwith his control.

“I think there’s a general lack of confidence among the population as a whole and it’s looking for strong leadership. As far as that’s concerned, I don’t think Gordon Brown’s a strong Prime Minister.

“There’s a worrying trend to these by-elections from Brown’s point of view. There’s been a consistent swing away from Labour so he needs to take note if he’s to fix things, but I’m not sure he can anyway.”

Margaret Robertson (Dundee): “I think it’s time he called it quits. I don’t see how he can save the situation now.

“He’s lost the confidence of the public.

“People don’t believe in him any more.

“If Labour are planning on winning the next election then they need to act now and get a new face in to try and undo the damage Gordon Brown’s done.”

Robert Mitchell (Dundee): “I’d say he’s finished. I wouldn’t vote for him, that’s for sure.

“I think the Labour party are finished too.

“Just look at all the new taxes they’ve introduced and the fact that prices for almost everything are going through the roof.

“Labour are now the party for the rich and privileged, not the working people of this country.

“It’s time for someone else who cares about the real people to take over in Government.”

Mary Hawkins (Dundee): “The losses don’t bother me particularly. Gordon Brown seems to be a genuine kind of person, and that’s rare in politics.

“I’m a fan. I think he listens to what the problems in the country are, and tries to fix them as best he can. He seems to be a helpful man. He’s just struggling a wee bit at the moment.

“He should be allowed time to try and turn things around. I don’t think Labour are finished, and I think they’re stronger with Gordon in charge.”

Emma Wilson (Kirkcaldy): “Yes I believe they should dump him.

“I don’t see what he has done for Kirkcaldy at all. He has sat back on his heels and done nothing for people in his constituency. As a result, all Labour politicians have been tarred with the same brush.”

William Campbell (Kirkcaldy): “Gordon Brown has to go. He has not done enough in the time he has been in power and Labour would do a lot better without him.”

Thomas Davidson (Glenrothes): “I have only one thing to say and that is get him out.

“He’s had his chance and he’s blown it.”

Peter Graham (Kirkcaldy): “I don’t think they should get rid of him, no. He is well liked in the town and a very intelligent man who cares about things that matter.

“I believe people should give him more of a chance to prove himself. He should definitely be kept on.”

Charles Knox (Arbroath): “No, though I think he made the wrong choice in wanting to be Prime Minister. I think he should have let Tony finish his term and then come in.

“I don’t think Gordon will be leader again though as I don’t think they’ll get in at the next election. I also think events have taken over. They might have happened to anybody, but I think Iraq was a big mistake.”

Les Scott (Arbroath): “Definitely not.

“Better to dump Alex Salmond, he’s a loose cannon that man.

Anna Low (Perth): “I don’t think he’s doing so well and after last night maybe he should go.

“It wasn’t a big election so it may not be too important, but maybe he should have stuck at Chancellor which he seemed to be a lot better at.”

Iain Martin (Perth): “You’ve got to give the guy a chance, let him see if he can sort some of the problems because it can’t happen overnight.”