15 Facts About Francis Willmott

Francis Edward Sykes Willmott was an Australian politician who was a member of both houses of the Parliament of Western Australia, serving in the Legislative Assembly from 1914 to 1921, and then in the Legislative Council from 1921 to 1926.

Francis Willmott was the leader of the Country Party from 1915 to 1919.

Francis Willmott was educated at St John's College, Hurstpierpoint, and was a prefect in his final year.

Francis Willmott came to Western Australia in 1886, and initially worked on Edward Brockman's property in the South West.

Francis Willmott later married Brockman's daughter, Frances Edith, and his brother-in-law, Edmund Vernon Brockman, was a member of parliament.

In 1896, Francis Willmott went to Coolgardie to work on the Goldfields Water Supply Scheme, supervising the tanks at Niagara and Mulline.

Francis Willmott later supervised the construction of a road between Widgiemooltha and Esperance.

Francis Willmott eventually returned to the South West, and from 1902 to 1914 worked as a ranger for the Forests Department.

Francis Willmott had a property near Bridgetown, where he had a dairy farm and fruit orchards.

At the 1914 state election, Francis Willmott stood for the newly formed Country Party, defeating the sitting member for the seat of Nelson, Charles Layman.

Gardiner resigned from the position in March 1915, with Francis Willmott elected in his place.

Francis Willmott was appointed a minister without portfolio in the new ministry, and retained the position until his defeat at the 1921 state election, serving under two more Nationalist premiers.

Francis Willmott had resigned as Country Party leader in July 1919, and was replaced by Tom Harrison.

Clarke had been elected to a six-year term in 1920, and Francis Willmott consequently did not face re-election for another five years.

Francis Willmott died in Perth in 1941, aged 70, after a period of ill health.