[2] In 1893, he was a founder member of the Independent Labour Party (ILP), and he rapidly rose to prominence, becoming national treasurer[3] in 1896, serving until 1902.
[6] Grayson was successful, and Littlewood regained his seat on the Urban District Council, in addition to one on the Board of Guardians.
However, the newly renamed Colne Valley Socialist League followed Grayson in moving away from the ILP and towards syndicalism, a position which Littlewood opposed.
In 1910, Grayson lost his seat, and the local group split from the ILP, joining the British Socialist Party on its formation, the following year.
[4] During the First World War, Littlewood served as a sergeant with the Volunteer Battalion of the Duke of Wellington's Regiment.