William Johnston was an Irish Orangeman, unionist and Member of Parliament for Belfast, distinguished by his independent working-class following and commitment to reform. He first entered the United Kingdom Parliament as an Irish Conservative in 1868, celebrated for having broken a standing ban on Orange Order processions and as the nominee of an association of "Protestant Workers". At Westminster, Johnston supported the secret ballot; the accommodation of trade unions and strike action; land reform; and women's suffrage. He was succeeded in 1902 as the MP for South Belfast, by Thomas Sloan, similarly supported by loyalist workers in opposition to the conservative and unionist candidates favoured by their employers.
- Occupation
- politician
- Position held
- member of the 27th Parliament of the United Kingdom, member of the 26th Parliament of the United Kingdom, member of the 25th Parliament of the United Kingdom, member of the 24th Parliament of the United Kingdom
