Trade unionist and Labour politician from Wymondham, where he was born on 15 January 1889 to Primitive MethodistPrimitive Methodism, teetotal parents, his father being a blacksmith. Initially working as a compositor for the Norwich Mercury he progressed from being a reporter to its sub-editor and chair of the the Norwich Branch of the National Union of Journalists. His employment at the Mercury enabled him to give active support to the agricultural works without the risk of victimisation. In 1926 he was elected to the executive committee of the National Union of Agricultural and Allied Workers, being its President from 1928 to 1964. He served as a parish, district and Norfolk County councillor, becoming an alderman of the latter, as well as being George Edwards’ Edwards, Sir George, MP, OBE agent. He failed to win North Norfolk in 1931 but was returned for South Norfolk in 1945 retaining the seat until his death on 2 August 1964. He was succeeded by Bert Hazell Hazell, Bert(ie), MBE, CBE. Also a teetotaler,until 1922 he was a Primitive Methodist member and local preacher but in that year resigned as a result of the opposition to his political views in the Wymondham chapel, although he continue to worship with them.

Entry written by: DCD
Category: Person
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