Charles Gray was born in Geelong, Victoria, in Australia and came to New Zealand in 1862.

On 18 April 1904, he succeeded Henry Wigram as mayor, when he was declared elected unopposed.

[3] He served for one year, and his chief aims were beautifying the city, drainage, sanitation, lighting and high pressure water supply.

Gray defeated Tommy Taylor in the 1905 contest for Christchurch North.

Gray made it clear during the election campaign that he was an independent Liberal who would go to the House unfettered by party obligations.