22 June 1895

Lord Rosebery’s government resigns following defeat in the House of Commons

Following the surprise defeat of the government the previous day, the cabinet meets to consider the situation. The cabinet was divided on what to do next with Rosebery, Harcourt, Ripon and Tweedmouth favouring resignation, while Asquith, Morley, Fowler and Kimberley argued for calling an immediate election. The Chief Whip, Tom Ellis, was in favour carrying on arguing, correctly as it turned out, that the party was not ready for an election and that ‘every 12 hours gained was worth a seat to him.’ The argument raged all day but crucially both Rosebery and Harcourt were in agreement and at 6.30pm Rosebery travelled to Windsor Castle to deliver his resignation to Queen Victoria.