Leon Atkin

Leon Atkin (1902–1976) was a Welsh Methodist and Congregationalist minister, human rights activist, and politician.

Early life and education Atkin was born on 26 July 1902 in Spalding, Lincolnshire. His father was a gas manager and his family were Anglicans. He had six siblings. As a boy, he participated in activities at the Methodist chapel that was next door to the family home. In 1914, the family moved to Biddulph. Having become a Methodist, he began preaching as a boy. At 16, he joined the Labour Party. He attended the Handsworth Methodist College, Birmingham.

Atkin returned to Swansea, where the chapel had been locked and he had lost his ministry. He was able to settle back at St Paul's, without the Congregational Union's formal support, due to the allegiance of members of the community and former soldiers. He formed The People's Party in 1947 to keep his seat on the council, due to complaints he made against the Labour Party. He sat on the council until 1964.

Personal life He was married with two children. Until World War II, he was a pacifist. While living in Swansea, he visited public houses on Fridays to collect donations for entertainment of poor children. Dylan Thomas was a friend. He died on 27 November 1976 in Swansea.