Arthur Holt (politician)


Arthur Frederick Holt was a Hosiery manufacturer and Liberal Party politician in the United Kingdom, and Member of Parliament for thirteen years.

Background

Holt was born in Bolton. He was educated at Mill Hill School and Victoria University of Manchester. In 1939 he married Kathleen Mary Openshaw, MBE. They had one son and one daughter. He played Rugby for Bolton RUFC.

Professional career

Holt joined the Loyal Regiment as a Territorial officer in 1938. He was Company commander in the Reconnaissance Corps and was taken prisoner at the fall of Singapore in 1942. He was a Hosiery manufacturer. With his two brothers he built up in Bolton an industry new to the town. He was Chairman, Holt Hosiery Co. Ltd, Bolton, 1971–73.

Political career

Holt was first elected at the 1951 general election, when he defeated the only other candidate in the Bolton West constituency, sitting Labour MP John Lewis. Holt was re-elected in straight contests with Labour at two further general elections. He was Parliamentary Chairman of the Liberal Party from 1952–55. He was a Member of the Parliamentary
delegation to Russia in 1954. He was Liberal Chief Whip from 1962–63. His share of the vote was halved when the Conservative Party fielded a candidate at the 1964 general elections, and the seat was won by Labour's Gordon Oakes. He was President of the Liberal Party from 1974–75.

Electoral record