Oswald Lewis

Oswald Lewis (5 April 1887 – 12 February 1966) was a British businessman, barrister, and Conservative politician.

Early life Born in Hampstead, north west London, Oswald Lewis was the younger son of John Lewis, founder of the John Lewis & Partners department store chain that bears his name, and Eliza Baker. He was educated at Westminster School and Christ Church, Oxford where he received the Boulter Exhibition in Law and graduated with an honours degree in jurisprudence. He was called to the bar at the Middle Temple in 1912, but never practised.

Lewis returned to business after his political career came to an end; he was a member of the Worshipful Company of Farriers of the City of London, and was master of the company in 1952.

Political career Although originally affiliated to the Liberal Party, having been a prospective parliamentary candidate for North Dorset, by 1928 he had moved to the Conservatives. In December 1928 he was chosen as Conservative candidate to defend the seat of Colchester at the upcoming general election. who became Colchester's first and only Labour MP. Throughout his political tenure, Lewis chaired a number of standing and select committees.

In 1908 Lewis entered local politics when he was elected to St Marylebone Borough Council at a byelection. He was supported by both the Conservative and Liberal parties against a Labour Party candidate. He remained on the council until 1912. He sat on the council until 1919.

He died at Beechwood House on the 12 February 1966, aged 78, and is buried on the western side of Highgate Cemetery, on the main path near the entrance to the Egyptian Avenue.