John Johnson

Career

He worked in the mining industry. In 1890 he became Treasurer of the Durham Miners" Association and then in 1897 their Financial Secretary. In 1906 he was re-elected at the General Election.

In 1909, when the Miners Federation of Great Britain affiliated to the Labour party he was required to cross the floor to sit as a Labour Member of Parliament. He was also required to seek re-election at the next General election as a Labour candidate.

In 1910, he contested the January General Election as a Labour candidate but was opposed by a Liberal candidate, Harold Elverston. Johnson was a supporter of the Miners Eight Hours Acting, which brought him opposition from many miners in Gateshead.

Johnson finished in third place as the Liberals re-gained the seat. He died later that year aged 60.

Achievements

• He won the election and joined the Liberal-Labour trade union group, as a miners union sponsored Member of Parliament.

Views

In 1904, following the death of the Gateshead Liberal Member of Parliament, William Allan, Johnson, though a member of the Independent Labour Party, was selected as Liberal candidate to defend the predominantly mining seat at a by-election.

Membership

27th United Kingdom Parliament. 28th United Kingdom Parliament.