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The life of a schoolteacher and revolutionary socialist of the Red Clydeside era could be commemorated by Glasgow City Council.

Bailie Josephine Docherty is calling on the authority to remember the “all but forgotten” John MacLean, a Pollokshaws teacher and member of the Marxist Social Democratic Federation, later the British Socialist Party.

Mr MacLean taught economics classes until he lost his job after being found guilty of sedition, for which he spent time in prison.

He worked to protect workers’ rights, played his part in the city’s rent strikes and was an outspoken opponent of the First World War.

Ms Docherty has put forward a motion, which could be heard at Thursday’s full council meeting, asking the Council’s Chief Executive Annemarie O’Donnell find a way to mark his life.

It states: “Council recognises that 100 years ago this year, Glasgow witnessed rent strikes, the ‘Battle of George Square’ and the rise of ‘Red Clydeside’.

“Council notes that a Glasgow schoolteacher stood out amongst the many: John MacLean.”

She adds: “Council notes that he had already been jailed on trumped up charges of sedition and had served nine months of a three year jail term.

“Council regrets that his name is now all but forgotten amongst the wider public in terms of our history.

“Council agrees that we should address this and in order to honour his memory, and that of the brave men and women of Glasgow who stood by his side.

“Council instructs the Chief Executive to investigate a way to commemorate the life and work of John MacLean.”

Ms Docherty will also asked Council leader Susan Aitken to agree it is right to celebrate the life of Mr MacLean, who twice stood as a General Election candidate in the Gorbals.

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