Mrs Leah Norah Folland JP CBE (1874 – 12 March 1957), was a Welsh educationalist, philanthropist and Liberal Party politician.

Folland in 1923

Background edit

Folland was born Leah Norah Thomas (sometimes known as Lilly), at Pontypool, the daughter of Reverend John Thomas, the Baptist minister at Penclawdd. In 1906 she married Henry Folland, a tin plate manufacturer. They had one son, Dudley Croft Folland and one daughter, Patti Eugenie Folland.[1]

Professional career edit

Folland worked as a teacher at Crwys School at Three Crosses, Swansea and then at Gorseinon School. She was a Justice of the Peace.[2] She was a member of the Council of the University College of Swansea.[3]

Political career edit

Folland was Liberal candidate for the Gower division at the 1923 General Election. She came second, polling 40.9%. She did not stand for parliament again.[4] In 1939 she was awarded the CBE for political and public services in South Wales.[5]

Electoral record edit

General Election 1923: Gower [6]
Party Candidate Votes % ±%
Labour David Grenfell 14,771 59.1 +4.9
Liberal Leah Norah Folland 10,219 40.9 −4.9
Majority 4,552 18.2 +9.8
Turnout 24,990 73.0 −1.6
Registered electors 34,250
Labour hold Swing +4.9

References edit

  1. ^ Cwmamman History
  2. ^ Cwmamman History
  3. ^ Yorkshire Post and Leeds Intelligencer - Monday 03 December 1923
  4. ^ British Parliamentary Election Results 1918-1973, FWS Craig
  5. ^ Western Mail - Wednesday 12 July 1939
  6. ^ Etholiadau'r ganrif 1885–1997, Beti Jones