J. M. McLachlan

[3] He first became prominent as a left-wing member of the Independent Labour Party (ILP); at its 1906 conference, he was the lead opponent of a motion against military service, holding that such training would assist with building a citizen's army.

Despite this, it was a surprise when he was adopted as the official Labour Party candidate for Manchester South West at the January 1910 general election.

McLachlan was elected to the National Administrative Council (NAC) of the ILP in 1909, along with other left-wingers, including Leonard Hall and Russell Smart.

[9] By 1919, McLachlan was suffering with poor health, and resigned his seat on the council; R. C. Wallhead won the election to succeed him.

[10] His health did not improve, and he underwent a major operation in 1924, and it was noted in the Manchester Guardian that he received a blood transfusion during it.