Constituency : Radcliffe cum Farnworth 1900-18
Theodore recaptured Radcliffe cum Farnworth from the Tories.
Theodore was the son of a cotton manufacturer. He was educated at Batley Grammar School and Silcoates School, Wakefield. He joined the family firm and started buying out his partners until he became sole proprietor. He believed in profit sharing and put his beliefs into practice. He also let the workers gradually acquire a majority of the share capital. He was an initial councillor on West Riding County Council. He was a Congregationalist.
In 1906 Theodore embarked on a campaign against the Indo-Chinese opium trade. carrying a parliamentary motion against the trade. He highlighted the danger of the practice of opium smoking spreading to white people.
In 1913 Theodore defended the National Insurance Act against claims it woud encourage malingering, saying the friendly societies' experience in dealing with it would provide protection.
Theodore was a benefactor to his church and local education.
Theodore retired when the seat was abolished in 1918.
Theodore remained in charge of the firm and gave his workers a holiday in Blackpool to celebrate his 100th birthday in 1950. He is currently the longest lived MP.
He died in 1952 aged 102.
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