England Objects to the Treaty of Versailles, June 1, 1919

Journal of Liberal History

On This Day

12 November 1931

Walter Rea, Liberal MP for Dewsbury is appointed a government whip

Rea’s official title was Comptroller of the Household, a nominal position in the Royal Household but effectively a government Whip in the House of Commons. He held the post until the following year when the Liberals left the National Government. Rea served as Liberal MP for Scarborough 1906-18, Bradford North 1923-24 and Dewsbury 1931-35 and was Liberal Chief Whip 1931-35. Following his defeat in the 1935 general election, Rea was raised to the peerage in 1937 and his son, Phillip was leader of the Liberals in the House of Lords from 1955-67.