 Broadhead never became personally involved in this intimidation, and was able to occupy a prominent position in trade union politics, being elected to an office in the first Sheffield Association of Organised Trades in 1858, and then made Treasurer of the United Kingdom Alliance of Organised Trades in 1866.As the union's struggle against unorganised labour came to national attention, its actions became known as the "Sheffield Outrages".Broadhead denied all knowledge, and offered a reward for information.