09 July 1901

Henry Campbell-Bannerman calls for a vote of confidence in his leadership

The Liberal Party found itself divided over the South African War (1899-1902). The Liberal Imperialists supported the war; many pro-Boer MPs such as Lloyd George opposed it and the moderates, among whom numbered party leader Campbell-Bannerman, adopted an intermediate but critical position. After his methods of barbarism speech in June 1901 CB remained under pressure from the Liberal Imperialists and the pro-Boer faction. On 9 July, he called a meeting of all Liberal MPs at the Reform Club, winning a unanimous vote of confidence and forcing Liberal Imperialist MPs, including Asquith and Grey, to commit themselves publicly to CB’s leadership.