ABSTRACT
The co-operative societies in Birmingham, Kettering and Nottingham were all affiliated to the national Co-operative Party. Between 1918 and 1939, the Midland Section witnessed one of the most marked expansions in co-operative society membership and co-operative trading in Britain. The 'divi' was a very attractive part of co-operation, and regular purchases from the Co-op ensured an automatic accumulation of dividends which were paid quarterly or twice a year. The co-operative political organisations in Kettering and Birmingham were more proactive than their counterparts in Nottingham in developing their party machinery and mobilising support. An important feature of co-operative politics within the Midlands was the impact relations with the local Labour parties had on its organisation and structure. Certainly, defending the trading concerns of the movement was a key aspect of the Co-operative Party's policy, yet it also developed a distinct role in politics defending and protecting the interests of the working-class consumer.
