Constituency : Stretford 1918-31 ( from 1929 Independent )
Thomas received the coupon and defeated Labour in a straight fight.
Thomas was a farm labourer's son from Stretford. He became involved in the dyeing and textile industries. He is known for developing the lining fabric MORADA in collaboration with ICI. He was elected to Stretford UDC in 1894 and later became chairman. He was a Methodist.
Thomas told Christopher Addison in 1921 that 200 MPs including Carson were going to hold a dinner in support of him.
Thomas held his seat in 1922 as a National Liberal. He was helped by a local pact with the Conservatives ensuring a straight fight with Labour in 1922 , 1923 and 1924 when he stood as a Constitutionalist. He voted for the King's Speech in 1924 but did not join the Conservatives. In 1929 he declared himself an Independent but neither Liberal nor Tory opposed him. He declined the Liberal whip in the subsequent Parliament.
Thomas was Chairman of the Local Legislation Commission of the Commons from 1922 to 1931. He had a number of other public and academic appointments. He was knighted in 1920.
Thomas stood down in 1931. He was mayor of Stretford in 1934. He became president of Lancashire County Cricket Club in 1939.
He died in 1953 aged 89.
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