Gordon McMaster

Gordon James McMaster (13 February 1960 – 28 July 1997) was a Scottish politician and horticulturist.

Life and career McMaster was born in Johnstone. A horticulturist by training, he was also a lecturer at his alma mater, the Woodburn House Horticultural College. McMaster was very well-liked by his students for his knowledge and charm.

In 1980, McMaster was elected to the Johnstone Community Council, and became its chair in 1982, at the age of 22, making him the youngest chair of any Scottish council. He had been robbed in London shortly before his death. His suicide note named neighbouring MP Tommy Graham as being responsible for smearing him over an alleged homosexual relationship with Graham's employee, 17 year old Scott Anderson. As the legal age of consent was 18 at that time, McMaster would have been accused of statutory rape. McMaster took his own life on the eve of Anderson’s 18th birthday. Graham denied being behind the leak, however was subsequently expelled from the Labour Party.