Thomas Keens
Sir Thomas Keens (1870 – 24 November 1953) was a British Liberal later National Liberal politician and accountant.
Sir Alan Burgoyne | |
|---|---|
| Personal details | |
| Born | 1870 Luton |
| Died | 24 November 1953 |
Family and education
Keens was born in
Congregationalist.[1]
Business career
After a short spell in a solicitor's office and then in the office of the
Society of Incorporated Accountants and Auditors
, a position he held until 1929.
Politics
Keens was first active in local politics, being elected a councillor for the Luton North Ward of
Justice of the Peace. He became a Knight Bachelor in the New Year Honours List of 1934 for political and public services.[3] Lady Keens was a strong supporter of her husband and in 1944 she became the first woman Mayor of Luton.[4]
Parliamentary politics
Keens first stood for election to Parliament at
Sir John Simon was turning away from the traditional Liberal policy of Free Trade[7] but he nevertheless preferred to give the Liberal Nationals general support and as the Liberal Party declined he turned in favour of Liberal-Conservative union, being a supporter of Dr Charles Hill and was for a while the leader of the Luton National Liberals.[8]
He died at his home, Highfield in Luton aged 83 years.
See also
References
- ^ Who was Who, OUP 2007
- Robert Henry Parker, British Accountants: A Biographical Sourcebook; Ayer Publishing, 1980 p1900
- ^ The Times, 1.1.34, p14
- ^ Parker, op cit p.1900
- ^ The Times, 29.11.23
- ^ The Times, 6.11.35
- ^ Obituary: The Times, 26.11.53
- ^ Charles Hill, Both Sides of the Hill; Heinemann, 1964 pp12 & 14