John James Davidson facts for kids

John James Davidson (born 13 December 1898 in Inverness, Scotland – died 9 January 1976 in Leigh-on-Sea, England) was a Scottish politician who belonged to the Labour Party. He was a Member of Parliament (MP) for Glasgow Maryhill.

Early Life and War Service

John James Davidson was born in Inverness. His father was a tailor. When John was young, his family moved to Glasgow.

During the First World War, John joined the army even though he was underage. He served as an infantryman, which means a soldier who fights on foot, in the Royal Scots Fusiliers regiment. He rose to the rank of corporal, which is a junior leader in the army.

Getting Involved in Politics

After the war, John worked for a newspaper in Glasgow. He was a stereotyper, which was someone who made metal plates for printing. He became very interested in politics, especially in ideas that aimed to help working people.

He joined the Glasgow branch of the Independent Labour Party. Later, in 1933, he became the chairman of the Glasgow Labour Party. The Labour Party is a political party in the UK that works to improve the lives of ordinary people.

Member of Parliament

In 1935, John James Davidson was elected as a Member of Parliament (MP) for the area of Glasgow Maryhill. An MP is a person elected by the public to represent them in the UK Parliament, where laws are made. He won his seat in the 1935 UK general election, which is when people across the country vote for their MPs.

From 1940 to 1942, he worked as a parliamentary private secretary. This role meant he helped Joseph Westwood, who was an important government official for Scotland at the time.

John Davidson decided not to run for election again in 1945. He then left Glasgow.

Later Life

John James Davidson passed away on 9 January 1976, at the age of 77. He died in Rochford Hospital, which is located near Southend-on-Sea.