Career
By the early twentieth century, he was active in the trade union movement in Bradford, Yorkshire. He was also an Independent Labour Party member of Bradford City Council. In 1912 he was approved as a Labour Party candidate for the next general election, although he was not allocated to any constituency.
In 1911 the ASRS nominated him to contest Bradford East.
However, the anticipated general election was delayed until 1918 due to the First World War. At the 1918 general election he unsuccessfully contested Bradford North.
He was also defeated in 1923 at Tynemouth. He held the seat in 1929, but was defeated when there was a large swing against Labour in 1931.
He was Lord Mayor of Bradford in 1924 - 1925.