James Dawes (British politician)

James Arthur Dawes (16 June 1866 – 14 November 1921) was an English solicitor, businessman and Liberal Member of Parliament (MP) from 1910 to 1921.

He was educated at Harrow School and University College, Oxford where he gained MA and Bachelor of Civil Law degrees.

He took a strong interest in local affairs[5] and was Chairman of the Vestry of Newington, the equivalent of a Parish council, from 1897 to 1900.

He was later elected as a member of the London County Council for the Progressive Party for Newington Walworth for various years between 1906 and 1913.

[8] In 1911 Dawes was appointed to the Joint Committee of the two Houses of Parliament to consider the Bill promoted by the Metropolitan Water Board to construct a series of new works and reservoirs on the River Thames at Staines.

[11] By 1908 Dawes had been selected as prospective Liberal candidate for Walworth[12] in succession to Charles James O'Donnell who had decided not to contest the next election.