He was the second child born to Hilda Mary (née Bowman) and William James McCall; his father was a bank officer.

In 1931, he attempted to gain pre-selection for the federal seat of Martin for the United Australia Party (UAP), losing to William Holman.

The following year, he won UAP preselection for the 1932 East Sydney by-election, caused by the death of his friend John Clasby.

In the 1943 election, McCall was defeated as part of the Labor landslide that brought John Curtin to the premiership, losing to Fred Daly.

Together with his chauffeur, McCall left Pittwater on 19 August 1968 in his speedboat; the vessel was found upturned and abandoned the next day near Collaroy, and the two men were presumed drowned.