He first stood for parliament in 1910, contesting Hull Central, a seat that the Conservatives had held in the 1906 Liberal landslide. Though it was not a promising seat, he did very well, coming to within 20 votes of defeating the incumbent. A third opportunity came to contest Hull Central at a by-election.
He first ran for parliament in 1910, challenging Hull Central, a seat that the Conservatives had held during the Liberal landslide of 1906. Though it was not an easy victory, he performed well, coming within 20 votes of defeating the incumbent. A third chance arose to contest Hull Central at a by-election.