Jabez Spencer Balfour
(1843-1916), Liberal politician; MP for Tamworth and BurnleySitter in 2 portraits
Jabez Spencer Balfour was MP for Tamworth (1880-85) and for Burnley (1889-93). In 1892 he was at the centre of a scandal when the Liberator Building Society, which he set up and controlled, failed, leaving thousands of investors penniless. Instead of advancing money to home buyers, the Society had advanced money to property companies to buy properties owned by Balfour, at a high price. After the swindle was discovered, Balfour fled to Argentina. He was extradited, tried and imprisoned for fourteen years.
by Sir Leslie Ward
watercolour, published in Vanity Fair 19 March 1892
NPG 4606
Jabez Spencer Balfour ('Statesmen. No. 587.')
by Sir Leslie Ward
chromolithograph, published in Vanity Fair 19 March 1892
NPG D44586
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