[1] Bramley's father was a member of the Social Democratic Federation and the Industrial Workers of the World,[1] and Ted joined the Communist Party of Great Britain (CPGB) in 1927.
[1] Bramley wished to fight in the Spanish Civil War, but the CPGB refused him permission to do so, preferring him to remain in the UK, and appointing him as London District Secretary in 1937.
[1] Instead, he focussed on his party work, leading a movement to occupy London Underground stations during bombing raids.
[2] This work led to his election, in 1946, to the London County Council in Mile End, alongside fellow communist Jack Gaster.
[3] While a councillor, Bramley led a movement to occupy empty luxury flats, in order to house returning service personnel.