He gained the respect and confidence of his peers in the trade and became President of the National Federation of Meat Traders Associations, a position he held twice in 1929 and 1942.
The two members since the by-election of 1920 (caused by the death of one MP and the resignation of the other, both sitting for the Lloyd George Coalition government) had been the Conservative William Greenwood and the National Liberal Henry Fildes.
At the 1923 general election Royle joined Fildes as the Liberal team to fight the two seats.
Townend fought again for Labour winning the contest and holding the seat until the 1931 general election.
Royle fought Stockport again, as a pair with Fildes, at the 1929 general election, although this time he was described on the ticket as an Independent Liberal.