He eventually left to work on the railways, becoming an engine cleaner at Carstairs Junction, and joined the National Union of Railwaymen.
He was due to stand in local elections in Perth for the ILP, but brokered a deal with the Labour Party that he would withdraw in their favour.
By 1939, he was one of the most prominent trade unionists in the party, and he was elected to its National Administrative Committee, serving until 1950.
He stood for the party in Bradford East at the 1945 UK general election, taking third place, with 14.6% of the votes cast.
[2][4][5] In line with ILP policy, Ballantine opposed British involvement in World War II.