John Arnott (1871 – 20 February 1942) was a Scottish politician. Born in Kincardine-on-Forth, Arnott worked as a blacksmith. He became involved in the trade union movement studied at Ruskin College. He also became active in the Independent Labour Party and was elected to Leeds City Council. He led the Labour group on the council from 1917 to 1920, and again from 1922 until 1925. Arnott lost his seat at the 1931 general election, and failed to win it back in 1935.