Henry Hyde Champion

Henry Hyde Champion (22 January 1859 – 30 April 1928) was a socialist journalist and activist, regarded as a leading figure in the early political organisations of the British labour movement. From a middle-class background, he was an early advocate of socialism in Britain. However, Champion was dogged by persistent mistrust within the labour movement arising from his lack of working-class roots and his self-presentation as a 'gentleman' with refined tastes and mannerisms. In 1894 he left Britain for Australia where he spent the latter part of his life.

From 1883 to 1887 Champion was a key member of the Social Democratic Federation (SDF), Britain's first socialist political organisation. In 1888 Champion became secretary of the Labour Electoral Association and established the Labour Elector journal. He was a member of the strike committee of the London dock strike of August and September 1889. Champion visited Australia from August 1890 to February 1891, during which his lukewarm support for a major industrial dispute led to him being described as a 'traitor' to the unionist cause. After returning to Britain he participated in various political activities and resurrected the Labour Elector. In 1893 his attempts to take a leadership role in the newly-formed Independent Labour Party were undermined by a growing suspicion of his allegiances to working class causes and labour politics.

After returning to Australia in 1894 Champion settled in Melbourne and made a living as a journalist and publisher. He supported various causes and participated in political activities, including the formation of the Victorian Socialist Party. In 1898 Champion married Elsie Belle Goldstein and the couple established the Book Lover's Library and Bookshop. Champion became a book publisher under the imprint of the Australasian Authors' Agency. After a period of declining health, Champion died in Melbourne in 1928.