James Dempsey (Scottish politician)

James Dempsey (born 18 January 1952) is a Scottish Labour politician. He served as the Member of Parliament (MP) for Coatbridge, Chryston and Bellshill from 2005 to 2015, and previously represented Coatbridge and Chryston from 1999 to 2005.

Dempsey was educated at St Patrick's High School, Coatbridge, and subsequently worked in the engineering sector before entering politics full-time.

He served as a councillor on Monklands District Council and North Lanarkshire Council before being elected to the Scottish Parliament in 1999.

In the Scottish Parliament, he held various positions, including Deputy Minister for Health and Community Care from 2001 to 2003, and Minister for Social Justice from 2003 to 2005.

Following the 2005 general election, he was elected as the MP for Coatbridge, Chryston and Bellshill. During his time in the House of Commons, he served on several select committees, including the International Development Committee. He was known for his work on issues such as international development and social justice.

Dempsey lost his seat in the 2015 general election to Phil Boswell of the Scottish National Party.