James Barrett - The Mayors of Bolton Directory

Spinner at Kearsley Spinning Company Mill.

First Labour Chairman of Kearsley UDC.

He was elected to represent West Ward in 1919 as a nominee of the Trades Council. It was described as unusual to be elected Chairman after only two years but the circumstances leading to his appointment were the retirement of Edward Gittins and the victory gained at the recent election by the Labour Party which gave them a majority. Only one Councillor was senior to him at the time, Thomas Rushton.

A staunch trade unionist, he represented the Operative Spinners Provincial Association at conferences in Britain and abroad and served on the Executive of the Bolton branch. He was a member of the committee of the Association and was Sick Steward of the approved section under the National Health Insurance Scheme.

Member of the Kearsley Area Education Committee and Manager of Kearsley West Council School.

In his youth he was a prominent footballer and cricketer.

Past Master of the Ancient Order of Nottingham Oddfellows.

His son, Thomas Barrett, was killed in action in France on 15 April 1917 while serving as a private with the Lancashire Fusiliers.

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