Bradford Central (UK Parliament constituency)

Bradford Central was a parliamentary constituency in the city of Bradford in West Yorkshire, England. It returned one Member of Parliament (MP) to the House of Commons of the Parliament of the United Kingdom.

The constituency was created for the 1918 general election, primarily from parts of the former Bradford East and Bradford West constituencies. It was abolished for the 1950 general election.

The area covered by Bradford Central generally encompassed the central and inner-city areas of Bradford.

History:

The constituency's existence was relatively short-lived, spanning just over 30 years. During that time, it saw representation from both the Labour and Liberal parties. Its creation reflected the electoral reforms following the First World War and the shifting political landscape of the time. Its abolition was part of a wider redrawing of constituency boundaries across the UK to reflect population changes and ensure more equitable representation.

Members of Parliament:

• 1918-1922: Sir William Edwin Aykroyd, 1st Baronet (Coalition Liberal)
• 1922-1924: Arnold Lupton (Liberal)
• 1924-1931: William Leach (Labour)
• 1931-1945: Sir William Aykroyd, 1st Baronet (Conservative)
• 1945-1950: Maurice Webb (Labour)

Elections:

Election results for Bradford Central constituency between 1918 and 1950 showed fluctuating support for the Liberal, Labour, and Conservative parties, reflecting national political trends. After its abolition in 1950, the area was divided among the new constituencies of Bradford North, Bradford South, and Bradford West.