Pattinson, Sir Robert – Was Grantham’s MP for one year only

Sir Robert Pattinson, (1872-1954)

SIR Robert Pattinson was elected as Grantham MP in 1922, but it only lasted a year.

He had unsuccessfully contested the Grantham Division as Liberal 1918, but was returned for the same division in 1922. A year later, however, when he was seriously ill, he was unseated by the Conservatives.

He was a member of Kesteven County Council and was its chairman for 21years

Knighted in 1934, Sir Robert had also been High Sheriff of Lincolnshire, was a Justice the Peace, and a Deputy Lieutenant of the county.

For many years he was director a railway and public works construction company employing more than 1,000 men.  At the time of his death he was director of builders merchants Pattinson and Co.

Born in Ruskington, he was always keenly interested land drainage, and was elected chairman of the Witham Rivers Catchment Area Board when it was formed in 1931, and became chairman of Lincolnshire River Board when came into being after the Second World War.

His career in local government began 1900 when he was appointed chairman of Ruskington Urban Council. He was first elected Kesteven county councillor in 1904, alderman in 1911. He was vice-chairman from 1923 to 1934 and chairman since 1934. He was appointed a Justice Sir Robert was Liberal candidate for Lincoln in 1929 and in 1931 was Liberal National candidate for Lincoln, but gave way to the Conservative National.

For many years he was chairman of the Lincolnshire Police committee.