Henry Charleton

Henry Charles Charleton (1 March 1870 – 8 October 1959) was a British train driver, trade unionist and Labour Party politician. He sat in the House of Commons from 1922 to 1931 and from 1935 to 1945.

Early life and family Charleton was born in Kentish Town, in London. His father Henry Charleton was an engine-driver on the Midland Railway.

The younger Henry was educated at Mansfield Place Board School, which he left at age 12. He worked initially as an assistant to a blacksmith, before following his father into the Midland Railway. He rose through the grades and eventually became a driver.

He was elected at the 1922 general election as the Member of Parliament (MP) for Leeds South, and held the seat until his defeat in 1931. However the Unionist candidate Noel Whiteside took the seat with a majority of 2.0% of the votes. he regained the seat at the 1935 general election,

He also served as an alderman on London County Council.