Ian Handford: Torbay's forgotten 'amazing politician'

Alfred Ernest Browne was born in Torquay on August 27, 1881, and would eventually hold high office in government continuously from 1931 until his retirement.

During that long period, his voice was regularly heard "booming" around the House of Commons, which over time earned him the nickname "The Son of Thunder".

Alfred was the eldest son of William Henry Browne, a Brixham fisherman, and Anna Badcock. William also coxswained the Torquay Lifeboat but, more importantly, was a very prominent Baptist. This ensured that Ernest—who dropped "Alfred" and the "e" in Browne—would soon establish his own conviction with God. His first sermon came at just 13 when, having joined the Upton Vale Baptist Sunday School, his stentorian voice rang out with the "zeal of a surgeon".

He was educated at the British Schools in Abbey Road, and his first job was working as a clerk in Mr Slade's grocery shop, near the family home in Rock Road. He would later join the Baptist Endeavour Movement.

Now he joined the Sportsman Battalion, although when at home, he continued to preach at Upton Vale Sunday School. It was here he met his future wife, Isabel Narracott, of the already famous Narracott Plumbers of Torquay. The couple married in 1907, though sadly, they had no children.

In 1916, while serving in the Somerset Light Infantry, he was commissioned and went on to earn the Military Cross and an Italian Silver Star for his valour as an officer. With the war over, Ernest spent much time touring the country for the Liberal Party before attempting to be elected as a Member of Parliament in the Salisbury and Mitcham constituencies. Then, after standing twice in 1923, the voters of Rugby sent him to Parliament in November, although he was defeated the following year.

Then, with the help of local Conservatives, he successfully gained the constituency of Leith in 1927 for the Liberal Party. His excellent memory, good delivery and regular quoting of poetry and prose at length made him a popular speaker at most events. His splendid delivery was said to be equal to that of a horn – the loudspeaker, of course, not yet invented – and was well received. He still worked for the Baptist Union and also kept a special connection to Upton Vale Baptist Church while also becoming a supporter of the Brotherhood movement. A keen yachtsman, he was often seen racing on Torbay waters.

However, somewhat disillusioned with his party's attitude toward Labour, he joined Sir John (later Viscount) Simon and Sir Robert Hutchison in 1931 to become part of the new National Liberal Group. During the 1931 coalition government, Ernest was appointed Parliamentary Secretary at the Ministry of Health, a role he would hold until his retirement in 1945, ensuring he was never out of office—a record seldom equalled.

Over the years he was made a Freeman of Torquay and in London a member of the Privy Council. He was secretary of Torquay Athletic Club and on occasions would act as "cox" to the crew of the Torquay Rowing Club. Finally, at the Coronation Regatta in Torquay in 1937, he sailed in the famous Julie Brise, a boat owned once by Mr W Thomas (Mayor of Torquay).

In the House in 1939 he finally set a record by replying to 100 questions as Minister of Labour when it was said his voice was as strong and as clear on the 100th question as it was on the 1st. The 100th drew huge applause across the House. Having spent fourteen years in government, he held high office continuously as Minister of Health, Minister of National Service, Secretary of State for Scotland, Chairman of Select Committees on Procedures, and finally, Secretary for Mines following the Gresford Mine disaster.

Retirement came in 1945, and he celebrated his Golden Wedding Anniversary at age 77 before death came at age 81 at St Pancras Hospital on February 16, 1962.