Fred Marshall (British politician) facts for kids

Fred Marshall (born March 10, 1883 – died November 1, 1962) was an important British politician. He worked hard to represent people and improve their lives.

Marshall was born in a place called South Anston in Yorkshire, England. Before becoming a politician, he worked as a wagon builder. This means he helped construct wagons, which were like early forms of transportation or carriers.

Getting Started in Politics

Fred Marshall began his political journey at a local level. In 1919, he was elected to the Sheffield City Council. A city council is a group of people who make decisions about how a city is run. They handle things like local services and community projects.

Later, in 1933 and 1934, Marshall held a very special position. He served as the Lord Mayor of Sheffield. The Lord Mayor is like the main representative or leader of a city. They often attend important events and welcome visitors.

Joining the Labour Party

Marshall was a member of the Labour Party. This political party believes in helping working people and making society fairer for everyone. They often support things like better wages and public services.

Serving in Parliament

Fred Marshall wanted to help people on a bigger scale. He decided to run for a seat in the UK Parliament. Parliament is where laws are made for the whole country. Members of Parliament (MPs) represent different areas and speak up for the people who live there.

First Time as an MP

In 1930, Marshall won a special election called a by-election for the Sheffield Brightside area. A by-election happens when an MP leaves their job before the next main election. However, he lost his seat in the general election the very next year. A general election is when everyone votes for all the MPs at the same time.

Re-elected and Helping the Country

Marshall didn't give up! He was re-elected for Sheffield Brightside in the 1935 general election. This time, he stayed in Parliament for many years.

While serving as an MP, he also became the Chairman of the National Union of General and Municipal Workers. This was a big trade union. Trade unions are groups that protect the rights of workers and try to get them better pay and working conditions. Being Chairman meant he was a leader for many workers across the country.

From 1945 to 1947, Fred Marshall had another important role. He was a Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Town and Country Planning. A Parliamentary Secretary helps a main government minister with their work. The Minister of Town and Country Planning was in charge of making plans for how towns and the countryside should be developed and used. This included things like building new homes or protecting natural areas.

Fred Marshall decided to step down from Parliament in 1950. He had dedicated many years to public service, working to improve the lives of people in Sheffield and across the UK.