Background
Sexton was born in Newcastle upon Tyne to an Irish-born family of market traders, who soon moved to Street Helens, Lancashire.
Sexton was born in Newcastle upon Tyne to an Irish-born family of market traders, who soon moved to Street Helens, Lancashire.
After leaving school he worked in a variety of jobs, including as a seaman and in a chemical factory, before becoming a docker on Liverpool Docks. In 1884 he set up his own business as a coal merchant. In 1889 he joined the new National Union of Dock Labourers (later National Union of Dock, Riverside and General Workers) and was elected General Secretary in 1893, defeating James Larkin.
He held this post until the union joined the Transport and General Workers" Union in 1922, whereupon he became National Supervisor of the Docks Trade Group of the new union.
He retired from the Transport and General Workers' Union in 1928. He also sat on Liverpool City Council from 1905 until his death.
Up to 1930 Sexton was elected for the Street Anne"s ward then was replaced by Bessie Braddock before becoming an alderman. He was appointed Commander of the Order of the British Empire (Commander of the Order of the British Empire) in 1917 and knighted in 1931.
In 1934 he was granted the freedom of the City of Liverpool.
31st United Kingdom Parliament. 32nd United Kingdom Parliament. 33rd United Kingdom Parliament.
34th United Kingdom Parliament.
35th United Kingdom Parliament]
He stood unsuccessfully for Liverpool Toxteth in 1905 and then served as Labour Member of Parliament for Street Helens from 1918 to 1931.