Leader Letter: Bradford Board of Education Education Pioneer

Elsewhere, yes, but not in the context of the article. Miss MacMillan, who served on the Bradford Board of Education from 1894 to 1902, was undoubtedly the most famous member of the body. Indeed, her work is legendary, and she was the subject of several detailed biographies that recount her insatiable campaign at Bradford, “Fighting the Battle of Slums.” She also fought hard to save the city's high schools when she was attacked by the Salisbury/Balfor government.

But so were other prominent members of the school board, especially the Rev. William Claridge and the Rev. Robert Roberts. “Comoxbantam1” claims that MacMillan is the first woman to be elected to the Bradford School Board. it's not. Miss Edith Lapton served on the board of directors from 1882 to 1885.

It was also said that Macmillan was the first independent Labour member to be elected to the Bradford Education Board. This is the point of controversy. William Henry Drew, who served on the board of directors in 1891-94, was the first successful candidate for the Bradford Trade Union.

Blue was officially formed in Bradford in January 1893 and was absorbed by the ILP at a meeting hosted by Drew.

John C. Jackson, Burley in Warfedale