Constituency : Oldham 1847-52 , 1852-7, 1857-62
William was an unusual MP in that he was first and foremost a Unitarian preacher ( although the historian Donald Southgate describes him as a Quaker) . He was humbly born and started out as a Congregationalist but later became a Unitarian. He was a strong supporter of the Anti-Corn Law League and won renown for his oratory and journalism in support of the cause. Over the years his preachings took on more of a secular flavour.
The Lord may have looked favourably on William for he was twice returned quickly in by-elections after general election defeat due to the death of a sitting member. His defeat in 1857 was attributed to his support for Cobden's China motion which brought down Palmerston.
William was a frequent speaker in the House on all sorts of topics. His first speech was in favour of removing Jewish disabilities. He spoke in support of the secret ballot, secular education, public libraries and extension of the franchise. He strongly opposed Russell's Ecclesiastical Titles Bill as an interference in the internal affairs of a non-established church and therefore a dangerous precedent. He was also a supporter of women's suffrage
William caused a Victorian scandal when he separated from his wife and apparently set up home with his ward, the daughter of a deceased journalist friend. His daughter Eliza was a notable artist and women's rights campaigner.
He stood down in 1862 and died two years later aged 78.
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