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 contested for parliament in 1910, aiming to take Hull Central from the Conservatives who had held it during the Liberal landslide of 1906. Though not an easy victory, he performed well and came within 20 votes of defeating the incumbent at a by-election.