Thomas Cook (Scottish politician) facts for kids
Thomas Fotheringham Cook (born June 7, 1908 – died May 31, 1952) was a Scottish politician from the Labour Party. He was known for serving as a Member of Parliament for areas in Dundee.
Cook was born in Larkhall and was the son of a miner. From a young age, even as an apprentice electrician, he was very interested in politics. He was also active in the co-operative movement in Rutherglen. This movement helps people work together for common good, like sharing resources or services.
Cook's Journey in Politics
Thomas Cook started his political journey with the Independent Labour Party. In the early 1930s, he joined the Scottish Socialist Party. This party later joined forces with the main Labour Party.
Becoming a Member of Parliament
In 1945, Thomas Cook was elected as a Member of Parliament (MP) for Dundee. An MP is a person elected to represent a group of people (called a constituency) in the country's parliament. He was very popular and received the most votes in that election.
When the Dundee area was reorganized for the 1950 election, he was elected again. This time, he became the first MP for the new area called Dundee East. He served as an MP until his death in 1952.
Roles in Government
While in parliament, Thomas Cook held important roles. He was a Parliamentary Private Secretary to the President of the Board of Trade. This meant he helped important government ministers like Stafford Cripps and Harold Wilson.
Later, from 1950 to 1951, he worked as an Under-Secretary of State at the Colonial Office. This office dealt with the United Kingdom's overseas territories. People in the House of Commons (where MPs meet) thought he was one of the most well-liked Labour politicians.
A Sad End
Thomas Cook passed away on May 31, 1952, after a car accident. He was driving on the road between Arbroath and Dundee when his car left the road. It hit a tree and went over a low wall into a field. He died instantly from his injuries.
Another person in the car, a local businessman named John Ross, was taken to Dundee Royal Infirmary for arm injuries. Cook's wife had passed away the December before. He was survived by his son and daughter.
