James Bell

James Bell (27 August 1872 – 27 December 1955) was a British trade unionist and Labour Party politician who represented Ormskirk from 1918–22. He was described by a fellow union official as "one of the shrewdest negotiators the trade unions in the cotton industry had ever had."

Biography

Bell was born in Darlington, County Durham, the son of John Bell, a coalminer, and his wife, Margaret (née Guy). At age 13, he began working as a cotton weaver at a factory in Haworth, Yorkshire, then moved with his father and brothers to Nelson, Lancashire to work in one of the town's mills. He became involved in trade union activities, leading to his sacking on three occasions. He also served on several government commissions and as a member of the National Arbitration Tribunal. including two sons who were in the Army during the First World War.