[1][2] Kirby inspired the headline "Once Errand Boy in Local Store – Now M P" in the Tewkesbury Register of 16 November 1935[3] after he had been elected for Labour as M.P.
It was claimed that he moved to a branch in Upton-upon-Severn but, by the 1911 Census,[5] he had joined the army and was then "Bombardier, Royal Horse Artillery, on sick" again living with his parents at 78 Marle Hill Parade, Cheltenham.
[6] The newspaper reported, "While six ammunition wagons were being unloaded, a sudden and intense fire was opened, and a scene of great confusion ensued; it was very dark, and the drivers were unable to see what to do in their gas masks.
He removed his smoke helmet and assisted the officer in charge to restore order and by doing so saved a considerable block in the traffic which would have caused heavy casualties.
[9] After his election, he was known as Captain Bertie Kirby (1887 – 1 September 1953) and represented the Everton Constituency until it was abolished on 23 February 1950.
In total, Hansard records 825 interventions, the first dated 6 December 1935 when, in the Debate on the Address he criticised the means testing of the unemployed.
"[8] He then fought the newly created West Derby division of Liverpool but was defeated by Sir David Maxwell-Fyfe.