This rather seasonal view, showing an Edwardian Lady Bountiful apparently succouring two poor-looking children and an appealing little dog, in fact illustrates electioneering techniques in 1911!
The woman was Mrs W C Anderson, wife of Keighley's Labour candidate in a Parliamentary by-election following the death of Sir John Brigg, and she and other supporters were out canvassing.
The 1911 By-election saw Keighley's traditional Liberal safe seat being challenged by both Conservative and Labour. The intensity of interest was demonstrated by a public debate between Liberal and Labour candidates attended by some 8,000, though this broke up in disorder caused by 'irresponsible youths' and 'rather excitable persons of every shade of political opinion'.
Nevertheless, the results showed Keighley Liberals still in control, for the time being, at least: SO Buckmaster (Liberal) 4,667; W M Acworth (Conservative and Unionist) 3,842; W C Anderson (Labour) 3,452.
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