Labour and Co-operative politician. President of the Stratford Co-operative and Industrial Society in 1919. Minister of Transport, 1945-51.
Born North Woolwich. Lost a leg in a fairground accident, aged 8. Studied at the Central School of Arts and Crafts and worked originally as an artist in gold and silver.
From Newham Story: "In 1915 Alfred Barnes, a socialist, won the presidency {of the Stratford Co-operative and Industrial Society}. Although defeated he regained his position in 1919, became a Labour and Co-operative MP for East Ham and a Minister in the 1945-51 Labour Government."
