George Mitchell (Rhodesian politician)

George Mitchell (1 April 1867 – 4 July 1937) served as Prime Minister of Southern Rhodesia from July to September 1933. Born in Ayrshire, he emigrated to South Africa in 1889, and moved to Matabeleland six years later to work as the manager of the Bank of Africa branch in Bulawayo. In 1901 he left the bank to become General Manager of the Rhodesia Exploration and Development Company, which sought to build up property.

After retiring in 1918, he devoted himself to politics where he was a supporter of the Rhodesia Party and of responsible government within the colony of Southern Rhodesia. He was appointed to the government on 1 November 1930 as Minister of Mines and Public Works. From 19 May 1932 he served as Minister of Mines and Agriculture. When Howard Moffat resigned in 1933, Mitchell was chosen as the new Premier; he chose to change the job title to Prime Minister. His government was a short one, from 5 July 1933 until he lost the general election of September 1933 (losing his own seat in the process).

References

Bridger, P., House, M., and others, 1973. Encyclopaedia Rhodesia, College Press, Salisbury, Rhodesia.