Cripps, (Richard) Stafford (1889–1952)

British Labour politician, representing Bristol East 1931–52, and expelled from the Labour Party 1939–45 for supporting a ‘Popular Front’ against Chamberlain's appeasement policy. Prominent in the Socialist League during the 1930s, he was solicitor general 1930–31, ambassador to the USSR 1940–42, minister of aircraft production 1942–45, and chancellor of the Exchequer 1947–50. Knighted 1930.

Born in London, Cripps was educated at Winchester and University College London. He was the son of the politician Charles Alfred Cripps (1852–1941), and of Theresa, the sister of Beatrice Webb.