First Co-op MP’s portrait to hang in Parliament thanks to Central England Co-op

'This painting is a wonderful reminder of Alfred’s legacy as a co-operator and also a fantastic example of co-operation in action'

A portrait of the first ever Co-operative Party MP, commissioned by Central England Co-op, is to be hung in the Houses of Parliament.

Derby-born Alfred Waterson was elected in 1918 when he stood for the Kettering and Mid-Northants Division – and went on to campaign for better rights for the unemployed and members of the armed forces.

The portrait was commissioned from Leicestershire-based artist Sophie Oakley by Central England’s northern membership and community council and society secretary, Jim Watts. Sophie is also a tutor for the society’s Leicester painting group, a class offered to the co-op’s members.

The commission came about after the Derby History Group used the society’s local history archive to research Alfred’s life story.

Tanya Noon, Central England Co-op community relations officer, said: “This painting is a wonderful reminder of Alfred’s legacy as a co-operator and also a fantastic example of co-operation in action.

“We are thrilled that the painting will be placed in the Houses of Parliament as a true reflection of Alfred’s importance, not just to co-operatives but to politics in general.”

Tanya Noon, Central England Co-op community relations officer (right), presents the painting of Alfred Waterson to Co-op Party general secretary, Claire McCarthy

The painting was unveiled at a meeting of the Co-operative Party held at Central England Co-op’s Lichfield headquarters.

Before becoming an MP, Alfred worked for Midland Railway Company and was also a respected local councillor in the Markeaton area. He lost his place as an MP in 1922 and went on to become a member of staff for the Co-operative Party until his retirement in 1945.

He passed away in 1964, aged 84, and was survived by his wife, daughter and two grandsons.

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