Leonard Oakes (1905 – 1985) was a British trade unionist, politician, and co-operative activist.
Born in Lancaster, Oakes received an elementary education before leaving the city to work as a clerk in a lawyer's office.
He joined the Operative Bleachers, Dyers and Finishers Association (the "Bolton Amalgamation"), soon becoming secretary of its local branch, then serving on its national executive.
He won a seat on Lancaster City Council, representing the Labour Party, and also stood unsuccessfully in Royton in the 1935 UK general election, sponsored by his union.
He resigned in 1941 to begin working for the Labour Department of the Co-operative Union, relocating to Manchester.