Constituency : Leicester 1892-4
Sir James managed to edge out the Liberal Unionist Alexander McArthur at Leicester.
Sir James was born in Sedbergh. He was educated at Appleby Grammar School and became a draper's apprentice. He migrated to London and set up his own business. Having made his fortune he concentrated on politics from the 1880s onwards. He became a London alderman and Lord Mayor in 1888. He was an arbitrator in the London Dock Strike of 1889 and was created a baronet that year. He was also a philanthropist with an interest in prison reform.
He contested Appleby in 1885 and 1886.
James supported Home Rule, Lords reform and disestablishment of the church. However nearly every parliamentary intervention he made was on the subject of railway rates.
James resigned after only two years as an MP.
He died in 1917 aged 83.
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