Albert Whitford (politician)


Albert Edward Victor Whitford was a tailor and member of the Queensland Legislative Assembly. He was shot dead in Brisbane in 1924.

Early days

Whitford was born in Woolwich, England, to parents Charles Whitford and his wife Dora. He was a tailor in Inverell in 1906 before heading to Childers in 1910 to continue his trade.

Political career

Whitford, representing the Labor Party, first stood for the seat of Burrum in the Queensland Legislative Assembly at the 1912 state election only to be beaten by the sitting member, Colin Rankin. He was once again beaten by Rankin at the 1915 state election but finally won the seat in 1918. He held the seat until 1920.

Personal life

In 1897, Whitford married Ethel Maud Scott and together had two sons and two daughters.

Death

Whitford was shot dead on the corner of Market Square and Adelaide Street in Brisbane in 1924. The gunman shot Whitford once in the neck and once in the forehead, and when Whitford fell to the ground, stood over him and fired three more shots killing him instantly. The gunman was then heard to say "That will fix you, you ----".
The gunman, later identified as James William Laydon, then coolly walked away. Police soon caught him and charged him with murder. Whitford was buried the next day in the Toowong Cemetery.