Many successful people have come from the city of Liverpool. Our city has been the birthplace of numerous stars of show business, actors, athletes, politicians, scientists, and entrepreneurs. Today, we’re looking at the success story of the prominent politician John McDonnell, who served as the Shadow Chancellor of the Exchequer from 2015 to 2020. Read on to learn more about the life of this Liverpool native at liverpoolski.com.
Early Life and Education
The politician was born in Liverpool in 1951. When John was still young, his family moved to Great Yarmouth in Norfolk because his father, a docker, was unable to find work in Liverpool. The young McDonnell attended the local grammar school and later received a grant to study at St Joseph’s College in Ipswich, a fee-paying Roman Catholic school for boys.
It’s worth noting that the future politician balanced his studies with various jobs. He earned a Bachelor’s degree in Government and Politics and later obtained a Master’s degree in Politics and Sociology from the University of London. John began his career as a researcher and official for the National Union of Mineworkers (NUM), and later worked for the Trades Union Congress (TUC).
From 1985 to 1987, McDonnell headed the policy unit at Camden Council, and then served as Chief Executive of the Association of London Authorities. This marked the gradual beginning of his political career.
Political Career
In 1981, the young politician was elected to the Greater London Council (GLC) representing Hayes and Harlington. John was appointed as the GLC’s Chair of Finance and served as deputy to its leader, Ken Livingstone. When the GLC was abolished in 1986, McDonnell did not despair, instead becoming Head of Policy at Camden London Borough Council. By 1987, he was the Chief Executive of the Association of London Authorities, where he represented all of London’s boroughs in dealings with central government and Europe.
In 1997, McDonnell was elected as the Member of Parliament for Hayes and Harlington in the general election, winning with 62% of the vote. It should be noted that he has been a vocal opponent of the expansion of Heathrow Airport, the Iraq War, anti-terrorism laws, and trust schools. McDonnell has repeatedly stated that the Iraq War not only led to a huge loss of life but also jeopardised Iraq’s territorial integrity and fuelled the growth of international terrorism.
In 2000, Ken Livingstone was elected Mayor of London and appointed McDonnell to his cabinet, with responsibility for local government in the city.
Active Parliamentary Work
McDonnell’s political activity has been extensive. He has been a member of several All-Party Parliamentary Groups, including those for the Public and Commercial Services Union (PCS), the National Union of Rail, Maritime and Transport Workers (RMT), the Fire Brigades Union (FBU), the National Union of Journalists (NUJ), and justice unions such as Napo.
Furthermore, the politician chairs the Labour Representation Committee, a left-wing group of Labour activists, local parties, trade unions, and MPs. McDonnell also headed the Public Services Not Private Profit campaign, which brought together sixteen trade unions and several other organisations. In June 2006, a mass rally was held outside Parliament, attended by over 2,000 trade unionists.
It’s worth noting that he has also championed the cause of tax justice, organising the Tax Justice Network parliamentary group in 2003.
In 2006, McDonnell announced his intention to run for the leadership of the Labour Party. He was supported by the Trades Union Congress, but ultimately he did not secure enough nominations to get on the ballot.
In 2010, the politician once again decided to stand in the Labour Party leadership election, but on this occasion, too, he did not achieve his goal.
In 2015, John McDonnell was appointed as Shadow Chancellor by the newly elected Labour leader, Jeremy Corbyn. He remained in this post until 2020.
As for his personal life, John has two daughters from his first marriage and a son from his second. Despite being raised as a Roman Catholic, McDonnell identifies as an atheist.
The Labour Party is one of the leading political forces in Great Britain. It is a centre-left party that supports increased state intervention in the economy, defends the rights of the working class, and promotes the development of programmes in healthcare and employment. The political force was founded at the beginning of the 20th century. In 1900, the Labour Representation Committee was organised, and six years later it was renamed the Labour Party. Its constitution and programmatic document were adopted in 1918.
This is the success story of John McDonnell, who grew up in an ordinary family yet reached great heights in the world of politics.
We hope you found this material informative and learned something new about the famous English politician who was born in Liverpool.