Alfred Hampson

Alfred John Hampson (15 September 1864 – 19 May 1924) was an Australian politician.

Quick Facts Member of the Australian Parliament for Bendigo, Preceded by ...

Alfred Hampson
Member of the Australian Parliament for Bendigo
In office 6 February 1915 – 5 May 1917
Preceded by	John Arthur
Succeeded by	Billy Hughes
Personal details
Born	15 September 1864 White Hills, Victoria
Died	19 May 1924(1924-05-19) (aged 59) Nandaly, Victoria
Nationality	Australian
Political party	Australian Labor Party
Spouse(s)	Rundle, Alice Maud
Occupation	Soap manufacturer

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Born in White Hills, a suburb of Bendigo, Victoria, Hampson received a primary education before becoming a eucalyptus and soap manufacturer. In 1911, he was elected to the Victorian Legislative Assembly as the Labor member for Bendigo East.^[1] He remained in that position until 1915, when he transferred to the Australian House of Representatives, winning a by-election for the seat of Bendigo. He remained in Parliament until 1917, when the Nationalist Prime Minister, Billy Hughes, contested the seat and defeated Hampson.^[2]

Hampson remains the only sitting MP to have been challenged and ousted by the sitting prime minister for his seat.

Following his defeat, Hampson enlisted with the AIF on 23 October 1917, giving his date of birth as 15 September 1868, and his wife Alice Maud Caroline Hampson of 76 Addison Street, Elwood (at that time very much a working-class suburb) as his next of kin. He embarked for France in November 1917, serving with the 2nd Railway Company. Returning to Australia in October 1919, he was appointed as an inspector for the Victorian Closer Settlement Board.^[3]

Hampson's body was found in his car in Nandaly, Victoria, his death having apparently been caused by a heart attack.^[3] He was buried in the Bendigo cemetery.