 He was known for wearing a frock coat and, for many years, a silk hat, unusual clothing for a working man of the period.Nelson became active in the Labour Party, and was elected to Liverpool City Council, representing the Low Hill ward.He sought the sponsorship of his union to contest a seat at the 1918 United Kingdom general election, but when it held a vote to decide whom to sponsor, he won the first round, but narrowly lost a run-off to Frederick Roberts.