William Raymond Read (21 July 1882 – 29 April 1974) was an Australian politician who was an independent member of the Legislative Assembly of Western Australia from 1945 to 1953.
He served on the board of Karrakatta Cemetery, and was also involved with the Ugly Men's Association, a prominent charity.
[1] Read entered parliament at the 1945 Victoria Park by-election, caused by the death of Howard Raphael.
He and another independent, Harry Shearn, elected to support Ross McLarty as premier, allowing the formation of a Liberal government.
This arrangement continued after the 1950 election (which resulted in another hung parliament), with the additional support of a third independent, David Grayden.