Initially a Methodist and a supporter of the Liberal Party, he became a Marxist atheist, and was known for never wearing a tie.
However, in 1928, he was elected as general secretary of the DMA, also winning a seat on the executive of the MFGB.
[1] Hicken became Regional Labour Director for the Ministry of Fuel and Power in 1942 and offered to resign his DMA post.
The DMA executive rejected his resignation, but branches held a vote which ousted him.
Now a full-time civil servant, he joined the National Coal Board in 1947 and was made an Officer of the Order of the British Empire the following year.