Ernest Davies (Enfield MP) facts for kids

Ernest Albert John Davies (born 1902, died 1991) was a British journalist, writer, and Labour Party politician. He was known for his work in newspapers and his time as a Member of Parliament.

Early Life and Education

Ernest Davies was born in London in 1902. His father, Albert Emil Davies, was a writer and lecturer. He was also an important member of the Labour Party on the London County Council. This council was a local government group for London.

Ernest went to Wycliffe College and the University of London. He earned a special qualification called a Diploma in Journalism. In 1922, he traveled to the United States. He worked there for several years. In 1926, he married Natalie Rossin from New York. They had three children together.

Journalism Career

From 1929 to 1932, Ernest Davies was the editor of The Clarion. This was a weekly newspaper that supported socialist ideas. Socialism is a way of thinking about society where everyone is treated fairly and equally. In 1932, he became an editor for its next version, the New Clarion.

Later, from 1940 to 1945, he worked for the BBC. The BBC is a major broadcasting company in the UK. In 1944, he became the person in charge of their North American Service. That same year, he divorced his first wife and married Peggy Yeo. They had one daughter.

After he left Parliament, Ernest Davies returned to journalism. He was the managing editor of Traffic Engineering and Control from 1960 to 1976. He also managed Antique Finder from 1962 to 1972.

Political Journey

Ernest Davies joined the Fabian Society in 1919. This group helps to develop ideas for the Labour Party. He then joined the Labour Party itself in 1924.

First Attempts at Parliament

In the 1935 general election, he tried to become a Member of Parliament (MP) for Peterborough. However, he was not elected that time.

Elections were put on hold because of World War II. So, Ernest Davies did not run for election again until 1945.

Becoming an MP

In 1945, he was elected as the MP for Enfield. This was a huge victory for the Labour Party. Many new Labour MPs were elected across the country.

He was then appointed as a parliamentary private secretary to Hector McNeil. This meant he helped the Minister of State at the Foreign Office.

Later Political Roles

After some changes to the election areas, Davies was elected for the new area of Enfield East in the 1950 general election.

He briefly served as a junior minister for Foreign Affairs. He worked under Ernest Bevin and Herbert Morrison. However, the Labour Party lost power in the 1951 general election. Ernest Davies retired from Parliament at the 1959 general election.