On This Day
08 July 1836
Birth in Camberwell of Joseph Chamberlain
Although derided as a political chameleon, a wearer of a political coat of many colours, Chamberlain was a self-made man, Birmingham Radical, champion of municipal government, political organiser supreme, Liberal Unionist, Imperial jingoist, cabinet minister and founder of a political dynasty. Famous for splitting the Liberals in 1886 over Home Rule and later the Conservatives in 1903 over tariff reform, instantly recognisable with his monocle and orchid in his buttonhole, Chamberlain was undoubtedly one of the greatest politicians never to become prime minister.