Charles Duncan

Charles Duncan (8 June 1865 – 6 July 1933) was a British Labour Party politician and trade unionist. He was General Secretary of the Workers' Union from 1900 to 1929. He was Member of Parliament for Barrow-in-Furness from 1906 to 1918, and Member of Parliament for Clay Cross from 1922 to 1933 (his death).

Early life Duncan was born on 8 June 1865 in Middlesbrough, England. He was then apprenticed to the engineering industry, and the Elswick Ordnance factory, Newcastle upon Tyne.

Career

Trade unionism Duncan joined Amalgamated Society of Engineers in 1888, which existed between 1913 and 1918. The police strikes in 1918 and 1919 resulted in the Police Act 1919 which banned police from joining a trade union and from striking.

Political career Duncan became a socialist in 1887 and joined the Independent Labour Party in 1895. During this period, he served as a whip. He held the seat until his narrow defeat at the 1918 general election by the Coalition Conservative candidate.

Duncan attempted unsuccessfully to re-enter the Commons when two by-elections were held in The Wrekin, Shropshire, in quick succession in February and November 1920. He died at the Manor House Hospital, Hampstead, London in July 1933. He was aged 68. His wife survived him, and he left a fortune of £3883 10s (equivalent to £ in ).