He joined the Social Democratic Federation (SDF) in the 1890s, and stood unsuccessfully for its executive committee in 1898.
Willis succeeded Fairchild as editor of the BSP's newspaper, The Call, in which he advocated for the formation of soviets.
[1] The Communist Party of Great Britain was founded in 1920, and Willis became the first editor of its newspaper, The Call, and was also elected to its executive committee.
This position was not a success, and he moved to be a cashier for Arcos and ROP, two Soviet companies.
[1][2] Willis remained active in the CPGB, regularly attending its congresses, and serving on its control commission in 1927/1928.