Liberal Government 1880-1885

After ardently campaigning against the foreign policy of Lord Beaconsfield's government, William Gladstone led the Liberal Party to victory in the 1880 general election. The nominal leader of the Party, Lord Hartington, resigned in Gladstone's favour and Gladstone became Prime Minister of the United Kingdom for a second time. He pursued a policy of Parliamentary reform, but his government became wildly unpopular after the murder of General Gordon in 1885. Gladstone was held responsible, and resigned, leaving the way free for the Conservatives under Lord Salisbury to form a government.

†Created Earl of Selborne in 1882.

Cabinet members are listed in bold face.