List of British Jewish politicians explained

This is a list of Jews who served as politicians in the United Kingdom and its predecessor states or who were born in the United Kingdom and had notable political careers abroad.

Jewish Leaders

Pre–1900

Benjamin Disraeli (1868–1881) Leader of the Conservative Party and Prime Minister of the United Kingdom

1900–1974

Herbert Samuel, 1st Viscount Samuel (1931–1935) Leader of the Liberal Party (UK)

1974–2000

Michael Howard (2003–2005) Leader of the Conservative Party (UK)

2000–2020

Ed Miliband (2010–2015) Leader of the Labour Party (UK)

2020–present

Zack Polanski Deputy Leader of the Green Party of England and Wales

British MPs

A law in place until the 1850s stated that no member of the Jewish religion could be elected to Parliament. Some Christian denominations were similarly prohibited. If elected, a member would be excluded if he refused to swear an oath of abjuration with a strong Christian wording.

British Members of Parliament listed chronologically by first election date (in brackets)

Pre–1900

1900–1939

1940–1973

1974–2000

2000–present

Peers

People with careers abroad

See also

Bibliography

Notes and References

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  3. Concise Dictionary of National Biography: "Jewish leader"
  4. Jewish Chronicle July 25, 1941, p.12, "Jews in the Navy"
  5. Concise Dictionary of National Biography: "of Jewish parentage"
  6. [Encyclopaedia Judaica]
  7. The Independent (London), 06/04/04
  8. Concise Dictionary of National Biography: "son of Jews who had emigrated from eastern Europe"
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  14. JYB 1988 p192, 227
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  18. JYB 2005 p212
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  21. JYB 1986 p185, 269-70.
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