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William Kelly

1874 – 1944

British politician

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About William Kelly

Lived 1874 – 1944 (aged 69). William Kelly was a British politician.

William Thomas Kelly (21 June 1874 – 13 March 1944) was a British Labour politician.

Kelly was active in the Amalgamated Society of Engineers, serving on its Executive Council from 1903 until 1913, and as chair of its Manchester branch. He then found work as a London organiser for the Workers' Union, where his skill at arbitration was recognised. In 1916, the union established an Arbitration Department, headed by Kelly.

Kelly was a supporter of the Labour Party, for which he stood unsuccessfully in Yeovil in 1918, 1922, and twice in 1923. In 1924, he instead contested Rochdale in 1924, for which he was elected, serving until 1931, when he was defeated. He was appointed as an alderman on London County Council in 1934, but this did not stop him from winning the Rochdale seat again in 1935. He resigned in July 1940, but remained on the London County Council until his death, in 1944.

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Important facts

Birth century
Occupation
Nationality
Positions held
Member of the 37th Parliament of the United Kingdom, Member of the 35th Parliament of the United Kingdom, Member of the 34th Parliament of the United Kingdom, Member of London County Council
Also known as
William Thomas Kelly

People in William Kelly's life

Named in this biography and alive at the same time

Contemporaries

People whose lives overlapped William Kelly's

Frequently asked questions

Who was William Kelly?

British politician (1874-1944)

When was William Kelly born?

William Kelly was born on 21 June 1874.

When did William Kelly die?

William Kelly died on 13 March 1944.

What was William Kelly's occupation?

William Kelly was a politician.

What nationality was William Kelly?

William Kelly was British.

Sources & further reading

· Wikipedia: William Kelly

· Wikidata: Q8013900

· DBpedia: William Kelly (Labour politician)

Cite this page

APA: Biography.guide. (2026). William Kelly. https://biography.guide/william-kelly-politician-1874/

MLA: "William Kelly." Biography.guide, https://biography.guide/william-kelly-politician-1874/.

Chicago: "William Kelly." Biography.guide. https://biography.guide/william-kelly-politician-1874/.

Data last updated: 2026-09-25 · Spot an error? Report a correction.

Portrait: Wikimedia Commons · author & licence

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