William Henderson, 1st Baron Henderson facts for kids

William Watson Henderson, 1st Baron Henderson (born August 8, 1891 – died April 4, 1984) was an important British politician from the Labour Party. He was also a member of the Privy Council, a group of advisors to the King or Queen.

Who Was William Henderson?

William Watson Henderson was the second son of Arthur Henderson, who was also a very famous Labour politician. William also had an older brother named Arthur Henderson, Baron Rowley. It seems politics ran in their family!

William Henderson's Political Journey

William Henderson had a long and interesting career in British politics.

Serving as a Member of Parliament

He was elected as a Member of Parliament (MP) for the area of Enfield. He served two terms: first from 1923 to 1924, and then again from 1929 to 1931. An MP is someone who represents their local area in the country's main law-making body, the Parliament.

Working Behind the Scenes

While he was an MP, William Henderson also had other important roles. From 1929 to 1931, he worked as a Parliamentary Private Secretary. This meant he was a special assistant to William Wedgwood Benn, who was the Secretary of State for India at the time.

He also led the Press and Publicity Department for the Labour Party. This role involved sharing the party's messages and ideas with the public.

Helping During World War II

During the Second World War, from 1940 to 1942, William Henderson continued to serve his country. He was a Personal Assistant to Arthur Greenwood, who was a Minister without Portfolio. This kind of minister has a special role in the government but doesn't lead a specific department.

Becoming Baron Henderson

In 1945, William Henderson was given a special honor: he was made a Baron. This meant he became a member of the House of Lords, which is the second chamber of the UK Parliament. His full title was Baron Henderson, of Westgate in the City and County of Newcastle upon Tyne.

Roles in Government

After the war, from 1945 to 1951, William Henderson was part of the Labour government led by Clement Attlee. During this time, he had several key positions:

• He was a Lord-in-waiting from 1945 to 1947. This meant he was a government whip in the House of Lords, helping to make sure government plans were supported.
• He was also an extra member of the Air Council during the same period.
• From 1948 to 1951, he served as the Joint Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs. This role involved helping to manage the UK's relationships with other countries.

In 1950, he was invited to join the Privy Council, which is a group of senior advisors to the King or Queen.

William Henderson's Later Life

Lord Henderson passed away in April 1984 when he was 92 years old. He never married, so when he died, his title as Baron Henderson ended. He was cremated at Golders Green Crematorium.

Images for kids

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  Plaque dedicated to Henderson, his parents and siblings at Golders Green Crematorium