John Burns Politician

John Elliot Burns (20 October 1858 – 24 January 1943) was an English trade unionist and politician of the late 19th and early 20th centuries, particularly associated with London politics. He was a socialist and then a Liberal Member of Parliament and Minister. He was anti-alcohol and a keen sportsman. After retiring from politics, he developed an expertise in London history and coined the phrase "The Thames is liquid history". When the Liberal cabinet made a decision for war on August 2, 1914, he resigned and played no further role in politics.

Personal facts

Birth date	October 20, 1858
Birth place	England , London , Vauxhall
Date of death	January 24, 1943

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Office holder

monarch	Edward VII George V
prime minister	H. H. Asquith Henry Campbell-Bannerman
successor	Herbert Samuel 1st Viscount Samuel Walter Runciman 1st Viscount Runciman of Doxford