Sir Joseph Francis Leese, 1st Baronet, KC (28 February 1845 – 29 July 1914)[1] was a British judge, Liberal politician and first-class cricketer.

[2] He was educated at Regent's Park College and gained a Bachelor of Arts from London University in 1863.

[5] Leese's younger sister married the Town Clerk of Southport, John Davies Williams.

During his early career he was heavily involved in nonconformist campaigning for religious education reform, serving as a member of the United Nonconformist Committee, (frequently chairing meetings across England), and the National Education League.

[8] Leese stood as a candidate for the first Manchester School Board, but withdrew on account of the large number of Liberals standing.

He died at Sutton Park, Guildford, Surrey in July that year, aged 69, and was buried in St. Mary's Churchyard, Send, on 1 August.