This was formed as the Scottish Workers' Representation Committee, and Allan became its first secretary, although in 1902 he was replaced by leader of the STUC, George Carson.
[1][2] In 1913, Allan stood to become general secretary of the STA, but he took third place with only 581 votes, behind Charles Jackson and the winner, James Brown.
[1][2] Carson persuaded the Parliamentary Committee to found a Labour Institute in Glasgow, as a fitting base for the STUC.
He purchased a site, with the STUC meeting monthly repayments, but it was only in 1922 that affiliated unions became aware of the deal.
In sympathy, he was allowed to stand down on good terms, but never again played a leading role in the trade union movement.