WM, journalist, newspaper proprietor and Liberal politician, born at Bolton on 17 March 1857, the son of George Toulmin, a local councillor. Educated at Preston Grammar School, he married Mary Elizabeth Edleston, daughter of an alderman. Beginning as a journalist, in 1886 he founded the Lancashire Daily Post and subsequently jointly with his brother the Blackburn Times and the Warrington Examiner. He was chairman of the Press Council, 1919 to 1920. Elected to represent Bury in 1902, he retained the seat until 1918. His political interests were in social reform and improvements, such as the minimum wage and National Health Insurance. Knighted in 1911, he died on 21 January 1923.