The Right Hon. William Brace, M.P.

(Photo and text from "Who's Who In Newport" 1920.)

Brace, The Right Hon. William M.P., is one of the most prominent men in the Labour Movement, and one of the most respected. He was born on September 23rd, 1865, at Risca, the child of an English father and a Welsh mother. He attended the local school until he was twelve, and then he went to work in the pit at Risca. After the explosion in 1880 the family removed to Newbridge, and young Brace worked at the Celynen and Prince of Wales Pits, Abercarn. Meanwhile he pursued his education as opportunity offered, making opportunity when none offered. He began to take an active interest in trade unionism, and in 1890 he became an agent of the South Wales Miners' Association. After the strike of 1898 he was the leader in the movement which resulted in the South Wales miners joining the English Federation. Then, when the South Wales Miners' Federation was formed, he became a vice-president, and, when "Mabon" retired in 1912, Mr. Brace became president. That position he has held ever since, though he had to hand over the duties to Mr. James Winstone during the time that he held office in the Government. Mr. Brace served as a member of the Monmouthshire County Council before he entered Parliament for South Glamorgan in 1906. He held that seat by sweeping majorities until December, 1919, when he came to his native county, and was returned unopposed for the new Abertillery Division. In Parliament he has often distinguished himself. He is one of the most stirring orators among the Labour leaders, and during the great coal strike of 1912 his contributions to the debates were among the most noteworthy. He joined Mr. Lloyd George's Government in 1917 as Under-secretary to the Home Office, and remained a member of the Government until the Labour Party decided to secede from the Government in December, 1918. Mr. Brace used to be a Liberal, and was once president of the West Monmouthshire Liberal Association, and vice-president of the Welsh National Liberal Council. He is now a member of the Labour Party, but is one of the more moderate influences. He can fight, but he is swayed by reason and common sense, and he is a diplomat, too. He recently accepted the position of president of the newly formed Gwent Federation of the National Free Church Council of Wales. Recreation: Fishing. Residence: Devonfield, Fields Park Road. Tel. 2005.