It was on this day (2 October) in 1900 when the first Labour MP was elected to Westminster. The seat in question was the now defunct seat of Merthyr Tydfil (today replaced by Merthyr and Aberdare).
Who Was Keir Hardie?
Keir Hardie (15 August 1856-26 September 1915) was a Scottish socialist and a founder of the Labour Party (then named the Labour Representation Committee). Many of his working-class views were shaped by his upbringing, which included working down the mines from the age of just 7 years old.
Though initially a supporter of William Gladstone and the old Liberal Party, he felt that it did not properly represent the best interests of the workers. He was very much ahead of his time and was a strong proponent of women’s suffrage, home rule for Ireland, self-rule for India, ending segregation in Africa and he remained a staunch pacifist throughout his life.
Hardie even opposed the First World War when it was very unpopular to do so, as he felt working-class men being sent to kill other working-class men only served the “interests of capitalism.”
He remains such a hero to working-class people throughout Cymru and wider Britain that many people are named after him, reportedly including the current Prime Minister and Labour Party leader, Keir Starmer. He did say in 2015, however, that he is “unsure if this is true”, so perhaps only when it suits him.
More from Welsh Histories
Welsh Histories is a Welsh history celebrating platform which looks to promote all aspects of Welsh history. Though we focus predominantly on native Welsh history, we do also share the non-native aspects from time to time. You can follow us on Facebook; Instagram or Twitter for more. A reader? We also have our very own Welsh Histories Shop where we sell our Welsh Histories Magazine. Diolch yn fawr iawn and keep enjoying Welsh Histories.
DIGITAL Welsh Histories Magazine – October 2025
Niklas is the founder, owner, manager, editor, writer, video creator, voice over artist, and so forth, of Welsh Histories. He is passionate about the preservation of Welsh culture; the rejuvenation of the Welsh language and the promotion of Welsh history. Niklas currently resides in Pune, Maharashtra, with his beloved wife.