James McCombs

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James McCombs (9 December 1873 – 2 August 1933) was a New Zealand socialist involved first with the Progressive Liberal Association, and then with left-wing political groups.

He become an MP for the Social Democratic Party. When the Labour Party was founded in 1916, he became its first president.

He represented the Lyttelton electorate from 1913 when he won the 1913 by-election, to 1933, when he died. The seat was then held by his wife Elizabeth McCombs from 1933 to 1935, and his son Terence McCombs from 1935 to 1951.

Born in County Leitrim, Ireland, he came to New Zealand with his family in 1876. He married Elizabeth McCombs in 1903. They had two children, and adopted two more.