He worked to create better conditions for Glaswegians living in poverty
‘Jimmy’ was a distinctive looking man; tall with longish hair and usually holding a cigarette! He became leader of the Independent Labour Party , a left-wing political party affiliated with the Labour Party. Born in Pollokshaws in 1885 he had a relatively comfortable childhood, but his later awareness of the poverty faced by many Glaswegians motivated him to campaign for better conditions for the working classes.
However, he soon adopted socialist views after attending open-air political meetings and hearing speakers such as John Maclean and Philip Snowden. In 1904, after quitting university due to financial reasons, he was employed as a teacher at Pollokshaws Academy where John Maclean also taught. Maxton went on to teach at St James’ School, Bridgeton, Haghill School and Finnieston School. He saw first-hand the poverty of his pupils and joined the Barrhead branch of the ILP in 1904.
Conscription became a controversial issue. Maxton along with John Maclean, future Lord Provost Patrick Dollan and others were arrested after speaking at a large anti-conscription protest in 1915, but all charges were dropped. After the war, in 1918 Maxton stood as the ILP candidate for Bridgeton but was defeated. He continued to work for the ILP, seeing the struggles in Glasgow during the post war recession. Rising unemployment and poor housing led to disaffection with the Government and greater support for the Red Clydesiders. Maxton stood again for election in 1922, and this time he won, becoming MP for Bridgeton.
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