Permanently crippled in a bicycle accident, he became a socialist and worked for the Independent Labour Party as a journalist. Elected to Parliament for Blackburn in 1906, he became known for his outspoken views, opposing British intervention in World War I, and advocating self-government for India. He served as Chancellor of the Exchequer in 1924 and 1929–31, and again in 1931–32 in the National government. He did not support the General Strike of 1926 and his cautious approach to welfare spending alienated many Labour supporters. His 1931 budget, which reduced unemployment benefits because of the alarming international financial crisis, further antagonized them. The abandonment of free trade under the Ottawa Agreements caused his resignation.