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First citizen's career came to a swift end

27/ 9/2006

JACOB Bright had the honour of being the first mayor of Rochdale - then left town for good.

But it was no reflection on his time in office and his departure did not diminish the esteem in which he was held.

From an early age Jacob Bright was involved in his father's mill at Fieldhouse.

Shrewd, hard-working and far-seeing, he quickly became a major influence on the steadily-growing business.

He was also mainly responsible for the management of the mill school, teaching evening classes and Bible class on Sundays.

Elected to the first Town Council in 1856, he was immediately proposed as mayor - at the tender age of 35.

His opponent was Albert Royds, a prominent member of one of the town's best-known families.

Some expressed doubts as to Jacob's suitability for the role, citing his relative inexperience and fragile health.

But when it went to the vote councillors were 17-11 in his favour.

Jacob proved a wise choice and carried his civic duties out with great dignity, proving a credit to himself and the town.

It was hoped that this would be the start of a long career on the council, but shortly after his mayoral year Jacob moved away from the town, settling at Alderley Edge.

His occasional visits to Rochdale steadily diminished to the point that, despite being chairman of the family business, he did not see its mills for years at a time.

At Alderley Edge both his business and political careers went from strength to strength.

Jacob was one of the founders and later a director of the Ship Canal Company which was responsible for building the Manchester Ship Canal.

He was also chairman of the Linotype Company and was instrumental in bringing to Britain the machine which revolutionised printing.

In 1867 he won a by-election to become an MP for Manchester. He lost the seat the following year but regained it in 1876 and held it four years later.

When House of Commons seats were redistributed in 1885 he failed in his bid for the South West Manchester seat, but won it the following year and held it until his retirement in 1895.

Although somewhat overshadowed by elder brother John, he still made his mark in Parliament and steadily became a strong influence on the Liberal party.

He was a big supporter of the women's suffrage movement and became its chief spokesman in the House.

The only honour he accepted was membership of the Privy Council.

After such a busy public life he lived quietly in retirement in London and died in 1899.