Colne+Valley+suffragettes

In July 1907, Victor Grayson was elected as the only Socialist MP in Parliament. His victory was undoubtedly assisted by the young mill girls of the Colne constituency, who worked tirelessly on his election campaign and helped him overturn a huge Liberal majority. The significance of their contribution demands more recognition and would make a fascinating local research project. Marsden Socialist Club is the only remaining club of its type in the United Kingdom. Grayson was a well-known speaker here and could command large crowds who were eager to hear fiery revolutionary rhetoric. At times, the young, handsome maverick was considered to be too radical for the recently formed Labour Party, which possibly explains why the young suffragettes were keen to support him. The suffragettes' support for Grayson's campaign may have been decisive in an election that saw an 88% turnout. One of Grayson's main demands was "Votes for Women," a cry that left the Labour Party unwilling to financially support his campaign. Grayson became dependent on the suffragettes who, joined by Emmeline Pankhurst, organised hundreds of meetings in support of Grayson; including fifty on the eve of the election.