‘Kingsley Wood and the Art of the Possible’ covers the years 1881-1924, the initial two-thirds of his life. It is the story of an independent, innovative and self-made man who followed his instincts and beliefs.

Born in Hull into a family of Liberal Methodists, Kingsley Wood was a solicitor and poor man’s lawyer committed to individual rights, one-nation politics and applied Christianity. First a local Conservative politician, then a national one, he delivered change, not least social reform, and would now be described as the person to “go to”, the man who got things done.

Wood helped national insurance and the Ministry of Health into being and oversaw the “homes for heroes” housing programme after World War I. He campaigned for allotments, earlier shop closing, the right to jury trial and the rule of law. He was instrumental in the downfall of the first Labour government in 1924.