Liverpool Protestant Party - 1920-1930

1920-1930

The support of the Conservative Party for the establishment of the Irish Free State renewed dissatisfaction with them amongst militant Protestants. In Liverpool this was manifested in a loss of membership in the Conservative Workingmen's Association. The Liverpool Protestant Party believed the establishment of the Irish Free State was a mere stepping stone to an Irish republic. The National Protestant Electoral Federation (NPEF) was formed at this time with four aims:-

1. The promotion of the study of Protestantism
2. The maintenance of the Protestant succession to the throne (as established by the Act of Settlement 1701
3. To assist the return of robust Protestants, irrespective of party, as representatives on public bodies
4. To protect the interests of Protestant workers in Trade Unions

In Liverpool the policies of the NPEF were put into effect for the 1922 elections to the Boards of Guardians. The NPEF endorsed Protestant Party candidates and any other candidates who were willing to add the word Protestant to their party name. This resulted in two Protestant Party and two Protestant & Unionist candidates being elected with 25,787 votes between them.