Born in Newcastle-upon-Tyne on 10 October 1869,[1] Spence became interested in trade unionism in the early 1880s.
[2][3] As a result, he took a leading role in founding the Tyneside and District Labourers' Union in 1888.
[4] In 1922, J. N. Bell, General Secretary of NAUL, died unexpectedly, and Spence was elected to succeed him.
[5][2] Despite holding prominent positions in the movement, Spence was principally regarded as an effective administrator.
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