7 surprising political visitors to Sunderland over the years

Wearside was a hotbed of political change back in the 1930s and '40s '“ and representatives of every political persuasion visited the town.
Winston Churchill pictured during a "mystery" visit to the North East in 1941. But where was he - Sunderland?Winston Churchill pictured during a "mystery" visit to the North East in 1941. But where was he - Sunderland?
Winston Churchill pictured during a "mystery" visit to the North East in 1941. But where was he - Sunderland?

Prime Ministers past, present and future made the trek up north to speak at rallies and canvass for votes – as these photos from the Echo’s archives reveal.

Even Winston Churchill is believed to have visited Sunderland during the war, to help raise spirits, but details of his 1941 appearance remain vague.

Clement Attlee, Prime Minister from 1945 to 1951, pictured in Sunderland during the 1940s.Clement Attlee, Prime Minister from 1945 to 1951, pictured in Sunderland during the 1940s.
Clement Attlee, Prime Minister from 1945 to 1951, pictured in Sunderland during the 1940s.
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“An Echo snapper took his picture but, because of wartime censorship, the paper was banned from publishing much information,” said archivist Susan Swinney.

“It wasn’t, however, his first trip up here. In 1920 he spoke at the Victoria Hall and told the audience he thought that Labour wasn’t yet fit to govern.”

Other well-known political visitors in the mid-20th century included post-war Prime Minister Clement Attlee and three-times Prime Minister Stanley Baldwin. Seaham MP Ramsay MacDonald – the first Labour Party Prime Minister in 1924 – was a regular visitor too, as was Manny Shinwell – later Minister for Defence.

“The Echo’s old glass plate archive is rich in photos of political figures, including several ‘home-grown’ ones like miners’ leader Peter Lee,” said Susan.

Seaham MP Ramsay MacDonald - the first Labour Party Prime Minister in 1924 - pictured in Durham in the 1940s.Seaham MP Ramsay MacDonald - the first Labour Party Prime Minister in 1924 - pictured in Durham in the 1940s.
Seaham MP Ramsay MacDonald - the first Labour Party Prime Minister in 1924 - pictured in Durham in the 1940s.
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“The town appeared to act as a magnet for political activity, with some of the best-known politicians of that era making special visits to Wearside.

“At the same time, the political climate was changing. Between 1935 and 1945 Sunderland switched from having Liberal National and Conservative MPs to Labour.

“But, looking at these photos, it appears that a warm Wearside welcome was still on offer for visiting politicians from all parties.”

l Look out for more photos from the old archive next Monday – this time featuring Royal visits between the 1930s and 1960s.