Mrs Leah Norah Folland JP CBE (1874 – 12 March 1957), was a Welsh educationalist, philanthropist and Liberal Party politician.

Folland in 1923

Background

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Folland was born Leah Norah Thomas (sometimes known as Lilly), at Pontypool, the daughter of Reverend John Thomas, the Baptist minister at Penclawdd. In 1906 she married Henry Folland, a tin plate manufacturer. They had one son, Dudley Croft Folland and one daughter, Patti Eugenie Folland.[1]

Professional career

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Folland worked as a teacher at Crwys School at Three Crosses, Swansea and then at Gorseinon School. She was a Justice of the Peace.[2] She was a member of the Council of the University College of Swansea.[3]

Political career

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Folland was Liberal candidate for the Gower division at the 1923 General Election. She came second, polling 40.9%. She did not stand for parliament again.[4] In 1939 she was awarded the CBE for political and public services in South Wales.[5]

Electoral record

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General Election 1923: Gower [6]
Party Candidate Votes % ±%
Labour David Grenfell 14,771 59.1 +4.9
Liberal Leah Norah Folland 10,219 40.9 −4.9
Majority 4,552 18.2 +9.8
Turnout 24,990 73.0 −1.6
Registered electors 34,250
Labour hold Swing +4.9

References

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  1. ^ Cwmamman History
  2. ^ Cwmamman History
  3. ^ Yorkshire Post and Leeds Intelligencer - Monday 03 December 1923
  4. ^ British Parliamentary Election Results 1918-1973, FWS Craig
  5. ^ Western Mail - Wednesday 12 July 1939
  6. ^ Etholiadau'r ganrif 1885–1997, Beti Jones