18 Facts About Joseph Leese

Sir Joseph Francis Leese, 1st Baronet, was a British judge, Liberal politician and first-class cricketer.

Joseph Leese was educated at Regent's Park College and gained a Bachelor of Arts from London University in 1863.

Joseph Leese was known to have attended meetings in support of disestablishment of the Church of England.

Joseph Leese served as secretary, and later president, of the Manchester Nonconformist Association from its formation in 1871.

Joseph Leese stood as a candidate for the first Manchester School Board, but withdrew on account of the large number of Liberals standing.

Joseph Leese was a vocal supporter of the unsuccessful Liberal candidate George William Latham in 1873 and 1880, later supporting fellow nonconformist Jacob Bright in his successful re-election bid for Manchester in 1876.

Joseph Leese was invested as a Queen's Counsel in 1891.

Joseph Leese was appointed Recorder of Manchester in 1893, and became a Bencher at the Inner Temple in 1898.

Joseph Leese first stood as a Liberal candidate for Preston in 1868;.

Joseph Leese stood again, this time for Accrington in 1886, coming second.

Joseph Leese was eventually elected at the 1892 General Election, gaining the seat from the Conservatives.

Joseph Leese announced he would retire in early 1903, but decided to stay through the next election, which was held in 1906.

Joseph Leese voted in favour of the 1908 Women's Enfranchisement Bill.

Joseph Leese retired from parliament at the January 1910 General Election.

Joseph Leese played first-class cricket for Lancashire County Cricket Club from 1865 to 1881.

Joseph Leese played 25 first-class matches as a batsman but only averaged 13 runs per innings.

Joseph Leese occasionally bowled, taking 5 wickets in his career at an average of 19.

Joseph Leese was knighted in the 1895 Birthday Honours and was created a baronet on 15 July 1908.