John Rankin

Who was John Rankin?

John Rankin was a Scottish Labour Co-operative politician.

Rankin was educated at Allan Glen's School, Glasgow and the University of Glasgow. He became a school teacher, propagandist and lecturer.

Rankin first stood for Parliament without success in Glasgow Pollok in 1923, 1924 and 1935. He served as Labour Co-operative Member of Parliament for the constituency of Glasgow Tradeston from 1945 to 1955 and for Glasgow Govan from 1955 until his death in 1973. His death led to the 1973 Glasgow Govan by-election, famously won by Margo MacDonald for the Scottish National Party.