J. C. Murrie

Johnson Cyland Murrie, more commonly known as J. C. Murrie (January 31, 1882 - August 16th, 1951) was the second Prime Minister of Doggerland from 1927-1946 and the first-ever Deputy Prime Minister of Doggerland from 1923-1927 of the Arbeidspartij. He is most notable for leading Doggerland through The Great Depression and the Second World War as well as being a key player in the Doggerland Democratic Movement. Today, he is remembered most for fighting for worker's rights and equal freedom.

Early Life
J. C. Murrie was born as Johnson Cyland Murrie in Pretoria in the Union of South Africa on January 31, 1882. His father, Charles Wister Murrie was a Dogger diplomat to the at-the-time British-controlled Union of South Africa. His family moved around South Africa before settling in Cape Town in 1885. He spent his early years there until 1890 when his father was offered a ministry position and moved back to Doggerland. The family lived in Nandels Port for his childhood along with attending an English Boarding School in Steibo during the school year.

Education
Murrie decided in 1900 to take a few years to study at King's College in Cambridge, England before transitioning to the University of the City of Mistlân. During his time at Kings's College, he befriended a young John Maynard Keynes. He claimed that his experience in England opened him up to the wider world and helped him see a bigger picture. He excelled throughout his education eventually getting a degree in political science and philosophy with a minor in law.

Time In India
J. C. Murrie had his first job as a travel-reporter in British India as part of a Doggerland government visit starting in 1905. He enjoyed his time in India so much that he decided to stay there taking a post at the official embassy in then-named Bombay. However, he soon grew tired of India once claiming, "[Bombay] was always swelteringly hot and full of rain. Even the rain was warm as good bathwater. I was just so used to the cold of Brun-Nord. I did love the land but I longed [for] Doggerland and my people,". He fell through on this and eventually returned to Doggerland in February of 1907.

Time in The United States
Before officially returning to Doggerland, Murrie made one last voyage abroad to visit New York City and Philadelphia in the United States of America. He later remarked, "To the [me] of that time, these cities were marvels of modern technology. I wanted to bring that sort of life and joy to Doggerland,".

Early Years
Once he had returned to Doggerland, Murrie decided to travel across the country for a journalism report. Whilst on his voyage, he encountered several dock towns and learned of their oppression and struggle. In late 1907, he decided to get his life in order and start working with the West Doggerland Dockworker's Union, or WDDU. He worked primarily out of Hoovsted and Mistlân fighting for labor rights and writing political reports. He soon gained notoriety in the world of Doggerland labor for his fierce speaking style and no-nonsense attitude.

Union Leadership and Activism
J. C. Murrie gained national attention when he began campaigning for Doggerland to transition to democracy. He gave his famous "On These Shores" speech whilst speaking in Kensingston in 1912 to promote a Doggerland parliamentary system. When The First World War began, he was initially opposed to Dogger involvement. But, after consultation with other union members, he decided that the best course was to have the country help supply arms to the allies. After meeting with royal government officials, they denied having Doggerland take sides. At this time, Murrie also became the leader of the WDDU. So, he drafted a plan where the union would form its own private entity to supply arms to the United Kingdom with public ownership of the said entity. Soon, workers flocked to the WDDU arms department for easy money. Because of this, Doggerland's economy grew through the war.

Democratic Transition
J. C. Murrie started to become a key player in democratic activism under the wing of leader Jan Vander Zijk. In 1919, he helped orchestrate a march on Nandels Port with WDDU members and other activists. During the march, fights broke out, and eventually, the royal guard was called in. They arrested and injured many protesters claiming they were committing unlawful acts. This only strengthened the democratic movement. In 1922, the Monarchy eventually signed in to order that the first snap elections would be held in January of 1923, with real elections next scheduled for 1926. Murrie immediately got into the early politics supporting the rights of workers and oppressed minorities. He joined the newly formed Arbeidspartij or Labor Party to run for a seat.

First Three Years
On April 5th, 1923, J. C. Murrie was sworn in as the first-ever Deputy Prime Minister of Doggerland. The Arbeidspartij won a plurality of seats and led a government coalition with Jan Vander Zijk, a non-partisan, as the first Prime Minister of Doggerland. Jan Vander Zijk chose Murrie as Deputy PM to show support for the growing labor movement, despite Zijk's personal reservations. Murrie immediately started drafting legislation as a member of parliament. He wrote bills for worker protections, business regulations, and one of the first pieces of hate crime legislation. The first 3 years were primarily filled with laying the groundwork for future parliaments.

Dutch-Union Scandal
Murrie himself eventually got caught up in a scandal in 1925 where a group of activists claimed that he once tried to pass a union act that made it harder for Dutch Doggers to gain benefits. Throughout his life, Murrie had been accused of anti-Dutch sentiments, which he most always denied. A later investigation determined not very reliable evidence to the accusation, so Murrie was safe in his position for the time being. However, this scandal nearly stopped his career dead in its tracks.

Second Term and Ascendency
In 1926, the first real parliamentary election of Doggerland was held following the snap election 3 years prior.