Politician, civil servant and author. Born in Lossiemouth, the son of British Prime-Minister Ramsay MacDonald (1866 - 1937). He was a Member of Parliament representing the Labour Party (1936-45), including various ministerial appointments during World War II. He served in the posts of High Commissioner or Governor-General in Borneo, Canada, India, Kenya and Malaya. MacDonald was responsible for starting the process of British de-colonisation, the creation of the Commonwealth and building diplomatic bridges with many countries.
MacDonald wrote several books, particularly on the countries of Asia.