Murdoch McKenzie Wood

Major Sir Murdoch McKenzie Wood OBE, DL (19 July 1881 – 11 October 1949) was a Scottish Liberal politician.

Early life and career He was the second son of James Wood of Cullen, Banffshire, and Christina McKenzie. By then ranked as a Captain (Acting Major), he was awarded the OBE in the 1919 New Year Honours in recognition of valuable services rendered in connection with the War. In 1924 he married Muriel Davis. He was knighted in 1932 and was a Deputy Lieutenant for Banffshire from 1948.

Professional career He received a call to the bar by Gray's Inn in 1910. He was on the editorial staff of the Daily Mail. In World War I he served with the Gordon Highlanders At the 1924 general election, a Labour candidate intervened and split the anti-Unionist vote, which cost him his seat.

He switched to contest Banffshire for the 1929 United Kingdom general election. He comfortably re-gained a seat the Liberals had lost in 1924.

In 1931, following the formation of the National Government, he was returned unopposed at the general election as a supporter of the new administration. He was an unpaid Assistant Government Whip from 1931 to 1932. When the Liberal party left the National Government he continued in the role of Scottish Liberal Whip from 1932 to 1934. In 1935 he was defeated at Banffshire and did not stand for parliament again.

Elections contested UK Parliament elections Date of election Constituency Party Votes % Result 1918 Ayr Burghs Liberal 5,410 27.7 Not Elected (2nd) 1919 Aberdeen and Kincardine Central Liberal 4,950 37.5 Elected 1931 Banffshire Liberal Unopposed Elected