Richard B. Seabrook (1910[1] – 31 January 1986) was aBritishtrade unionist and politician.
Seabrook grew up inChelmsford, and worked repairing shoes for theChelmsford Star Co-operative Society.[2] He joined theNational Union of Distributive and Allied Workers (NUDAW) in 1926, and in 1931 he also joined theCommunist Party of Great Britain (CPGB).[1] He was highly active in the party and the associatedNational Unemployed Workers' Movement. With his brother, Alfred, in 1932, he led five hundred unemployed workers invading theShire Hall chamber. Also with Alfred, he revived ChelmsfordTrades Council in 1932, it having been dormant for several years.[3]
In 1937, Seabrook began working full-time for NUDAW as an area organiser. Ten years later, NUDAW became part of the newUnion of Shop, Distributive and Allied Workers (USDAW). Seabrook remained an area organiser, but was relocated toNorwich.[2] He remained active in the CPGB, serving as district chairman and treasurer during the early 1950s.[4]
Seabrook was elected to the executive council of USDAW in 1957. When union presidentWalter Padley was made a government minister in 1964, Seabrook won the election to succeed him, but he then lost the regularly scheduled election the following year, defeated by Rodney Hanes. In 1967, there was a further presidential election, and Seabrook won the position back, on this occasion serving until defeated by Jim D. Hughes in 1973.[5]
Seabrook opposed theSoviet invasion of Hungary in 1956, and resigned from the CPGB,[1] later becoming associated with theChartist group.[6] Despite not being a member ofNorwich City Council, in 1972/73 he served asLord Mayor of Norwich, the last non-council member to hold the post. He was described by Patrick Palgrave-Moore as "one of the most controversial figures in recent times to hold office".[1]
| Trade union offices | ||
|---|---|---|
| Preceded by | President of theUnion of Shop, Distributive and Allied Workers 1964–1965 | Succeeded by Rodney Hanes |
| Preceded by Rodney Hanes | President of theUnion of Shop, Distributive and Allied Workers 1967–1973 | Succeeded by Jim D. Hughes |
| Civic offices | ||
| Preceded by Donald Pratt | Lord Mayor of Norwich 1972–1973 | Succeeded by Robert Symonds |