Steps are bring taken to recognise Scotland’s first mixed race MP, West Lothian politician Peter McLagan.
The MP for Linlithgow and East Falkirk, Martyn Day, has joined forces with local historian, David Main, to recognise one of his predecessors.
Mr McLagan was the MP for Linlithgowshire between 1865 and 1893 and, as Scotland’s first mixed-race MP, withstood negative campaigning to become Parliament’s longest serving Scottish Member until his resignation.
Martyn explained: “On first learning about Peter, what struck me was his progressive views, including advocating for more Scottish representation in Westminster!
“He was also an early champion for votes for women - earning him the moniker ‘suffragetist in trousers’ - and the lowering of a property qualification, which barred most (men at that time) from voting or standing for election.
“Another issue Peter supported was primary and secondary education, believing that, regardless of distance or locale, all children should receive the same education and that a system of national secondary education be established.”
Mr Day met with Mr Main last year at the Steelyard in Bathgate – where Mr McLagan is featured in a presentation board. Mr Day has also tabled a related Early Day Motion in Westminster and has contacted the Speaker of the House of Commons to inquire about Mr McLagan being included in an exhibition ‘Pioneers: The First Asian and Black MPs’ that is displayed en route to the Public Gallery.
Additionally, Mr Main and Mr Day have collaborated in securing an article about Mr McLagan in the upcoming Oxford Dictionary of National Biography 2023.
This distinguished publication is the national record of men and women who have shaped British history and culture and is one of only some two thousand Scots to be so honoured.
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