Richard Stokes (politician)

Richard Rapier Stokes, 1st Baron Stokes (27 January 1897 – 3 August 1957) was a British Labour Party politician. He served as Member of Parliament (MP) for Ipswich from 1938 until his death.

Stokes was educated at Downside School. During World War I, he served in the Royal Field Artillery, achieving the rank of Captain. After the war, he joined Ransomes & Rapier, an engineering firm in Ipswich, eventually becoming chairman.

He entered Parliament in a by-election in 1938. During World War II, Stokes was a persistent critic of government war production policies, arguing for greater efficiency and accountability. His outspokenness often brought him into conflict with ministers.

Following Labour's victory in the 1945 general election, Stokes served in several government positions. He was Minister of Works from 1950 to 1951, and Lord Privy Seal from April to October 1951, with responsibility for overseeing the Festival of Britain. He was made a Privy Counsellor in 1946 and was created Baron Stokes, of Ipswich in the County of Suffolk, in 1951.

He remained an active MP until his death in 1957. His interests included engineering, social reform, and international affairs. He was known for his independent spirit and willingness to challenge conventional wisdom.