Daniel Merrick

Daniel Merrick (11 May 1827 – 19 February 1888) was a British trade unionist.

Born in Leicester, Merrick was educated at St Margaret's Charity School, then worked making stockings.

In 1871, Merrick was elected to the Leicester School Board, as a Liberal-Labour candidate, with the backing of the new Democratic Association. He remained on the board until his death, campaigning for the board to establish more schools, and for it to withdraw funding from religious schools. This was soon followed by election to Leicester Town Council, the first worker to serve as a councillor in the town, elected only after supporters gave him £1,000 to ensure he met the necessary financial qualifications. He remained supportive of the Liberal Party, and at the 1885 UK general election he nominated Alexander McArthur for the Leicester constituency. He also supported the Nine Hour Movement, and as a Congregationalist, he opposed the opening of the city's museum and library on Sundays.