Arthur Leonard Bateman

Who was Arthur Leonard Bateman?

Arthur Leonard Bateman was a British businessman and Conservative Party politician.

Born in London, he was privately educated before entering business as a sack manufacturer. He was a member of the Worshipful Company of Basketmakers and a Freeman of the City of London. He became involved in local politics as a mameber of the Conservative-backed Municipal Reform Party. He was elected to Camberwell Borough Council in 1922 and was the mayor of Camberwell in 1929-1930. In 1931 he was elected to represent Peckham on the London County Council.

At the 1931 general election he was chosen to contest the seat of Camberwell North on behalf of the Conservatives. The election had been called following the formation of a National Government. This had caused a split in the Labour Party with the majority opposing the coalition. Among these were Charles Ammon, sitting MP for Camberwell North. Bateman was the government candidate, with the Liberal Party stepping aside from the contest. Bateman was elected, overturning a Labour majority of 7,823 to win by 765 votes.

Bateman proved to be a controversial member of parliament.