Thomas Robinson (Gloucester MP)

Sir Thomas Robinson (January 1827 – 26 Oct 1897)[1] was an English corn merchant and Liberal politician who sat in the House of Commons between 1880 and 1895.

He was also a J.P.[3] In 1873, Robinson stood in a by-election Gloucester after out manoeuvering former Liberal member John Joseph Powell for the candidature, but was defeated.

He was elected as Member of Parliament (MP) for Gloucester in 1880 after the Liberals had established a party caucus chosen by ward meetings, resulting in improved organisation.

His willingness to stand down and the unwillingness of the Conservatives to take matters further led to suspicions of collusion between the parties and a Royal Commission was set up to examine electoral practices.

Notwithstanding this, and the virtual halving of the electorate eligible to vote, Robinson was reelected for Gloucester in 1885 when representation had been reduced to one member under the Redistribution of Seats Act 1885.