Albert stood as a 'Peace by Negotiation’ candidate (one of many at the time) in the 1917 Parliamentary by-election in the constituency of Rossendale in Lancashire. He was helped by fellow CO James Ashworth and received 1800 votes. Prior to the election he was fined for refusing to do non-combatant work and held in custody by the military and so unable to do any campaigning work. He was sentenced to two years hard labour.