Blue Plaque Awarded: 2009
Address: Percy Shurmer Primary School, Longmore Street, Balsall Heath, B12 9ED
Percy Shurmer was a Birmingham politician and trade unionist, whose unwavering commitment to the working classes made him a formidable voice for the city in Parliament.
The MP who never forgot where he came from
Percy Shurmer’s early life was rooted in the industrial heartland, giving him a firsthand understanding of the challenges faced by ordinary families. It is said that he used public baths for 30 years as his home was one of the many built without bathrooms. Shurmer’s political career was deeply intertwined with the Labour Party and the trade union movement. He worked as a trade union official and gained a reputation as a passionate advocate for workers’ rights and social justice. His strong convictions and ability to connect with the electorate led him to municipal politics in 1921, where he served on Birmingham City Council for many years, representing his local community.
He was regarded as a major benefactor of the poor and working classes and his generosity was demonstrated by holding children’s christmas parties at Birmingham Town Hall for up to 1,500 local deprived children each year, often referred to as “Shurmer’s Little Sparrows”. Initial funds for these parties came from left-over council election expenses but , when that wasn’t enough, he donned fancy dress and went collecting with a barrel organ.
The people’s voice in parliament
His dedication culminated in his election as the Member of Parliament for Birmingham, Sparkbrook, in 1945, a landmark election that brought a Labour government to power with a mandate for profound social change. He held this seat until his death in 1959. In Parliament, Shurmer was known for his robust defence of his constituents’ interests and his consistent advocacy for policies that would improve the lives of working people, including the creation of the National Health Service and expansion of social welfare provisions. He was a vocal proponent of comprehensive education and better housing. He was not known for holding high office, but rather for his consistent and tireless work on behalf of his constituents and the broader Labour movement. His speeches were often direct and heartfelt, reflecting his genuine concern for the everyday struggles of ordinary Britons.
A life of service
Percy Lionel Shurmer passed away in 1959, having served his constituents and the Labour Party with distinction for many decades.
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