Russell Thomas (politician)

He qualified MB BChir at Guy's Hospital in 1919 and was awarded the Treasurer's gold medal in clinical medicine.

He remained loyal to the official Liberal party when it left the National government in 1932.

His next attempt to enter parliament was also in Scotland at the 1936 Ross and Cromarty by-election.

By then, a war time electoral truce between the main political parties was in operation, so Thomas was returned unopposed.

At the 1945 General election, Thomas sought re-election as a Liberal National candidate in support of Winston Churchill.

Southampton was a dual member seat and he ran in tandem with a Conservative against two Labour candidates and a Liberal.

The 1955 elections represented the lowest point in the fortunes of the Liberal party and Thomas was to finish third once again.