Sir Alfred Davies Devonsher Broughton (18 October 1902 – 2 April 1979) was a British Labour Party politician and doctor who was the MP for Batley and Morley from 1949 until his death.

[2] The loss of the Labour government's majority meant that his treatment was often disrupted so that he could be transported to London to participate in key votes by being 'nodded through.

'[3] Despite considering resignation due to his health, Broughton ultimately decided against it, as some within the party were uncertain if Labour could successfully defend the seat in a by-election.

[3] However, Deputy Chief Whip Walter Harrison, with the agreement of Prime Minister James Callaghan, decided it would be unacceptable to ask him to do so, in case he died during the ambulance journey.

[4] Three years later, Graham wrote This House, first staged by the National Theatre, which expanded on the political situation in the 1970s, in which Broughton is a key character.