Liberal politician, born in Luton on 11 May 1871, the son of the Rev. A.C. Gray, a Baptist minister, although Milner became a Methodist and a Local Preacher. Educated at Greenwich, in business he was chairman of Frank Harden Ltd, of Luton, ladies hat manufacturers, and a director of United Match Industries Ltd.

He stood unsuccessfully for Parliament in 1911, 1918, 1919, 1923 and 1924. Success finally came in 1929, when he was elected Liberal MP for Mid-Bedfordshire, and he served briefly as Parliamentary Secretary at the Ministry of Labour in 1931, but he lost the seat in the ensuing General Election, despite indications of support for the National government.There were two more failed attempts to re-enter Parliament, for Mid-Bedfordshire in 1935 and then in a by-election for West Derbyshire in June1938. He was made CBE in 1937, perhaps as a consolation, and remained active in the higher echelons of the Liberal Party, chairing the Party's Executive for six years and serving on the Liberal Party Council from 1936 until his death.

He took a special interest in foreign affairs, was a supporter of the League of Nations and highlighted Nazi persecutions of the Jews.

Milner Gray married Elizabeth Eleanor Luck in 1902. There were no children. He died at Wheathampstead on 9 April 1943.

Entry written by: DCD
Category: Person
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