Born on 22 February 1851 at Birstall, Yorks, he became a solicitor, but interested himself in politics and was secretary of the Spen Valley Liberal Association 1885-1895. Created an Alderman in 1894, he was Mayor of Morley in 1896 and 1904 and Lord Mayor of Leeds in 1910. From 1908 to 1922 he was Liberal MP for Leeds South. He received a knighthood in 1916 and became baronet in 1930. He was a member of the Wesley Guild General Council and treasurer of the WM Chapel Committee. He died at Scarborough on 30 June 1936.