Henry Hogbin

Henry Cairn Hogbin (16 November 1880 – 13 June 1966) was an English businessman and Liberal later Conservative politician.

Henry Cairn Hogbin was the son of Thomas Parker Hogbin of Tilmanstone, Eastry in Kent. He attended Montague House School and received the rest of his education privately. He married his first wife, Winfred, in 1905 and they had two sons and four daughters. Winifred Hogbin died in 1940 and in 1955 Hogbin married Jessie McKenzie Sutherland.

In business, Hogbin had interests in the agricultural chemical industry. He worked for Lawe’s Chemical Company and was later Chairman of the Allied Guano and Chemical Company. During the First World War he held a position in the Ministry of Food. He organised agricultural production and was Chairman of the Home Counties Claims Commission.

Hogbin first stood for Parliament at the 1922 general election in Battersea North as a National Liberal i.e. a supporter of the wing of the Liberal Party led by David Lloyd George. The seat was won by the Communist candidate, Shapurji Saklatvala, who had the support of the local the Labour Party. Hogbin came second to Saklatvala, 2,021 votes behind. The Independent Asquithian Liberal, V C Albu, lost his deposit. As a portent of worse things to come in later elections, Hogbin’s meetings were disrupted by people claiming to be supporters of Saklatvala.

At the 1923 Hogbin secured the nomination of the now re-united Liberal Party but his candidacy was also endorsed by the local Conservatives in order to oppose Saklatvala, who they regarded as a revolutionary and unconstitutional candidate. At one point in the campaign Hogbin discontinued holding indoor election meetings claiming this was as a result of Labour intimidation and disruption. It was also feared he would be prevented from canvassing and he had to seek the protection of the police. In the end, Hogbin’s pact with the Conservatives was just enough to ensure his victory by the narrow margin of 186 votes in a straight fight with Saklatvala. During his time in Parliament Hogbin often voted with the Conservatives against the Labour government, perhaps aware of his reliance on Tory support and votes in North Battersea. However he held his seat for just one year. In the 1924 general election Hogbin stood this time as a Constitutionalist (i.e. a Liberal with Conservative support). Again the campaign was marred by disruption and violence. On one occasion a stone was thrown through Hogbin’s car window hitting him near the eye. Hogbin’s election day organisation was disrupted and it was surmised that some potential Constitutionalist electors were discouraged from going out to vote by the prospect of rowdyism near polling stations. When the result was declared Hogbin trailed Saklatvala by 542 votes.

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