Page 168 - Redditch People

Redditch People

Albert Wharrad

Local Politician

A lifetime Redditch resident, Albert Wharrad served
as a councillor for 38 years. He was first elected to
Redditch Council in May 1981 and served until 2002.
Following changes to ward boundaries across the
borough in June 2004 he stood again and was re-
elected, continuing to serve until 2006 before losing
his seat to David Enderby, Redditch’s first BNP
councillor. From 1983 onwards he had represented
the Winyates ward.

1925 - 2010

Albert Wharrad
(Source: Anne Bradford)

Source/Researched by: Anne Bradford

Life and Times of Albert Wharrad

Albert Wharrad was born in Crabbs Cross in 1925 and, except for his four years in the
army, he always lived in Redditch. At the tender age of nine or ten he realised there was
something wrong with society. At sixteen he was a Shop Steward and, in 1949, as soon
as he returned home after his National Service, he rejoined the Labour Party where he
worked passionately to help the underprivileged and fight for a more equal society. Albert
was Secretary to the Party in Crabbs Cross Ward, becoming its Councillor in about 1958.

After nine years he lost his seat but in May 1970 he was re-elected and continued as a
Councillor with the Urban District Council and then the Redditch District Council until May
1976. In May 1981, he was elected to the Borough Council, in all totalling about 40 years.

Albert became Chairman of the Urban District Council in 1965. He was Chair of the
Redditch constituency for 53 years and, in addition, he was a member or Chair on most
of the Council's committees. When he was interviewed in 2002 he was Leader of the
Borough Council and on eight committees, especially those involved with housing.

He remained a spring-maker all his working life and was proud of his status as a working
man of the people. He refused all privileges, honours, awards and prizes, for example,
he refused to wear his Chain of Office and kept it under his bed. He had many interests
and hobbies such as cycling, photography, cricket and reading up on local history.

While in the army he was imprisoned for months, not by the enemy but by the British,
for taking part in the mutiny at Tel el Kebir, in Egypt.

Albert died on the last day of 2009, aged 84. At his funeral a friend remarked that
whenever he had walked around the town with him, progress was slow, as practically
everyone they passed greeted him, asked him a question, or more often than not
thanked him for his help. He added, 'It was Albert Wharrad who led the people and the

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