There is little evidence to suggest that Broughams are inherently political beings, as there have only been two Brougham Members of the UK Parliament. The most renowned among them was Lord Henry Peter Brougham, who notably served as the first Lord Chancellor. Detailed information about his life can be found elsewhere on this website. William, Lord Brougham's younger brother, succeeded him as an MP for Southwark for a period of 4 years. Additionally, other members of the Brougham family have held various positions in the House of Lords, with the fifth Lord Brougham serving until his passing in 2023.
Given my personal political traits, which I clearly get from my late father, I am somewhat surprised by the absence of Brougham’s on the political scene.
While researching my family history, I found an election leaflet from May 1965 in the West Yorkshire Archive belonging to my father, Alec Brougham. He ran for the local council representing the Liberal party. I was just a young child when he ran, so I don't recall many details. However, one vivid memory I have is when we had a family photo taken for one of his election leaflets. It remains one of my earliest memories. For the photo, we were supposed to sit around the fireplace with a toy rocking horse. I distinctly remember crying my eyes out because my twin brother got to sit on it, and I really wanted that centre spot.
My Dad’s election leaflet reflects a time when candidates stood for who they were, rather than who the party was. It talks about personal commitments to the electorate and and a vision for the future - 'happy and healthy'. All politicians talk about change – my father was no exception when he declared, 60 years ago, that’s it is Time for a change.
I still chuckle at the bit that refers to my Dad having 'four sturdy young sons'. Judge for yourselves!
Alec Brougham's Family Line
James Brougham
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James Brougham
(1838 - 1912)
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Lizzetta Brougham
(1867 - 1951)
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George Willie Brougham
(1888 - 1946)
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Leonard Brougham
(1909 - 1990)
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Alec Brougham Politician
(1936 - 2022)