James McGovern (born 17 November 1956) is a Scottish Labour politician who was the Member of Parliament (MP) for Dundee West from 2005 to 2015.
Early life
McGovern was born in Glasgow, but moved to Dundee at the age of 9. He was educated at the Catholic Lawside Academy. He left school at the age of 15 and at the age of 16 began an apprenticeship as a glazier. In 1987, after being made redundant, he worked as a glazier for Dundee City Council. Whilst working for the council he was active within the GMB union. In 1997 he began working full-time for the union as Trade Union Organiser.
Parliamentary career
He was first elected to the British House of Commons at the 2005 general election for Dundee West with a 14.6% majority, following the retirement of the sitting Labour MP Ernie Ross. Since 2005, he has served on the Scottish Affairs Committee. Between 2007 and 2008, he served as the Parliamentary Private Secretary to Pat McFadden, the Minister of State at the Department for Business, Enterprise and Regulatory Reform, The MP subsequently declined to vote during the bill’s third and final reading.
On 3 April 2015, McGovern announced he would not stand at the 2015 general election, citing ill health.
Personal life
He is married to Norma with two children and lives in the Law part of Dundee.
References
External links
- Scottish Labour - James McGovern
- Guardian Unlimited Politics - Ask Aristotle: James McGovern MP