What is the total number of successful votes of no confidence recorded against British governments since the first in 1742?

Since the first recorded successful vote of no confidence in 1742 against Robert Walpole's ministry, there have been a total of 24 such instances where British governments have lost the confidence of the House of Commons.

Which British government experienced the most recent successful vote of no confidence, and what was the outcome?

The most recent successful vote of no confidence occurred in March 1979 against the Labour government led by James Callaghan. This defeat mandated a general election, which was subsequently won by Margaret Thatcher's Conservative Party.

What historical period saw the longest interval between successful votes of no confidence in British governments?

The longest interval between successful votes of no confidence in British governments occurred between the defeat of the Baldwin ministry in 1924 and the defeat of the Callaghan ministry in 1979.

Who is considered the first British Prime Minister to resign following a vote of no confidence in the House of Commons, and in what year did this occur?

Robert Walpole, who is generally regarded as the first British Prime Minister, resigned in 1742 after his government lost a vote of no confidence in the House of Commons. This marked the first time a Prime Minister of Great Britain had to step down due to such a parliamentary defeat.

What specific parliamentary event led to Robert Walpole's resignation in 1742?

Robert Walpole resigned after a petition concerning election returns for Chippenham was defeated in the House of Commons by a narrow margin of 235 to 236 on January 28, 1742. Walpole interpreted this defeat as a loss of parliamentary confidence in his ministry.

Did the entire Walpole ministry resign following the 1742 vote of no confidence, or did individual members remain in office?

Following the 1742 vote of no confidence, Robert Walpole resigned as First Lord of the Treasury and Chancellor of the Exchequer. However, the principle of cabinet collective responsibility had not yet been established, so other members of his ministry remained in their positions.

What distinction does the defeat of Lord North's ministry in 1782 hold in British parliamentary history?

The defeat of Lord North's ministry in 1782 was significant because it was the first instance where an entire British Cabinet was compelled to resign following a vote of no confidence in the House of Commons. This established a precedent for collective responsibility.

What was the specific motion that led to the downfall of Lord North's government in 1782, and what was its context?

The motion that led to the downfall of Lord North's government in 1782 was introduced by Henry Seymour Conway, calling to end "the further prosecution of offensive warfare" in America. This motion passed by 234 to 215, symbolizing a loss of parliamentary confidence following the defeat at the Siege of Yorktown during the American Revolutionary War.

How did William Pitt the Younger's government survive a vote of no confidence in 1784, and what precedent did this set?

In 1784, William Pitt the Younger's government faced multiple defeats in the House of Commons but refused to resign. Pitt advised the King to dissolve Parliament, leading to a general election that secured him a majority. This set a precedent for a Prime Minister to avoid resignation by seeking a dissolution of Parliament.

What financial matter led to the defeat of the Duke of Wellington's government in 1830?

The Duke of Wellington's government was defeated in 1830 when a government motion concerning the Civil List for 1831 was rejected by the House of Commons by a vote of 204 to 233. This defeat prompted Wellington's resignation.

What issue related to the Church of Ireland contributed to the defeat of Robert Peel's first ministry in 1835?

Robert Peel's first ministry was defeated in 1835 when the House of Commons passed a report concerning the Church of Ireland against the government's wishes, with a vote of 285 to 258. This led to Peel's resignation and the formation of a government under Lord Melbourne.

What was the vote count in the House of Commons that led to the first defeat of Lord Melbourne's ministry in June 1841?

The first defeat of Lord Melbourne's ministry in June 1841 occurred when a motion of no confidence, introduced by Robert Peel, was passed by a vote of 312 to 311 in the House of Commons.

How did Lord Melbourne's government suffer a second defeat in August 1841, leading to its final downfall?

After losing a confidence vote in June 1841, Lord Melbourne's government was defeated again in August 1841. An amendment to the Queen's Speech, stating the government lacked parliamentary confidence, was passed by 269 to 360, leading to Melbourne's resignation and Robert Peel forming a new government.

What legislative issue, related to agricultural policy, caused the defeat of Robert Peel's second ministry in 1846?

Robert Peel's second ministry was defeated in 1846 when the House of Commons voted against the government's "Coercion Bill" for Ireland on its second reading, with a vote of 219 to 292. This defeat was linked to the internal party divisions caused by Peel's decision to repeal the Corn Laws.

What reform proposal led to the first defeat of Lord John Russell's ministry in 1851?

The first defeat of Lord John Russell's ministry in 1851 occurred when a motion to equalize the county and borough franchise by extending voting rights to occupiers of tenements valued at £10 annually was passed by the House of Commons, 100 to 52. This was on the first reading of the bill, though it was later defeated on the second reading.

Why did Lord John Russell's ministry, despite resigning in 1851 after a defeat, ultimately resume office?

Lord John Russell resigned after his government was defeated on a reform bill in 1851. However, he resumed office because neither the Conservatives nor the Peelites were able to form a viable alternative government.

What seemingly minor issue regarding the Local Militia bill caused the second defeat of Lord John Russell's ministry in 1852?

The second defeat of Lord John Russell's ministry in 1852 happened when the government lost a vote on the wording of a Local Militia Bill. The House voted 125 to 136 against the inclusion of the word "local" in the bill's title, leading to Russell's resignation.

What was the reason for the defeat of Lord Derby's minority government in December 1852?

Lord Derby's government was defeated in December 1852 when its proposed budget, which included an increase in the house tax, was rejected by the House of Commons by a vote of 286 to 305. This led to the formation of a coalition government under Lord Aberdeen.

What war and alleged mismanagement led to the downfall of Lord Aberdeen's coalition government in 1855?

Lord Aberdeen's government was defeated in 1855 due to public and parliamentary dissatisfaction with the alleged mismanagement of the Crimean War. The House of Commons voted in favor of investigating the condition of the British Army and the government's war administration, passing the motion 305 to 148.

What foreign policy incident resulted in the first defeat of Lord Palmerston's ministry in 1857?

The first defeat of Lord Palmerston's ministry in 1857 occurred when the House of Commons expressed dissatisfaction with the government's explanation regarding the *Arrow* affair in Canton, which had led to the Second Opium War. The government secured a dissolution and won the subsequent general election.

What piece of legislation, related to an assassination attempt in France, led to the second defeat of Lord Palmerston's ministry in 1858?

Lord Palmerston's ministry was defeated in 1858 on the second reading of a *Conspiracy to Murder Bill*, introduced following Felice Orsini's attempt to assassinate Napoleon III. The government's handling of asylum and immigration policies, and its perceived stance on the French Empire, contributed to the defeat.

What political development preceded the defeat of Lord Derby's second ministry in June 1859?

The defeat of Lord Derby's second ministry in June 1859 followed the formation of the modern Liberal Party by a coalition of Whigs, Peelites, Radicals, and Irish Nationalists. This newly formed opposition successfully moved an amendment to the Queen's Speech, declaring the government lacked the confidence of the House, passing it 323 to 310.

What was the subject of the parliamentary reform proposals that led to the third defeat of Lord Russell's ministry in 1866?

The third defeat of Lord Russell's ministry in 1866 occurred when the government was defeated on its proposed parliamentary reform measures. The vote passed by 315 to 304, leading to the government's resignation.

What specific bill concerning Ireland caused the first defeat of William Gladstone's ministry in 1873?

The first defeat of William Gladstone's ministry in 1873 was caused by the rejection of the University Education (Ireland) Bill on its second reading in the House of Commons. The vote was 284 to 287 against the government.

Why did Gladstone's government, despite losing a vote in 1873, continue in office?

Although Gladstone's government lost a vote on the University Education (Ireland) Bill by a narrow margin in 1873, it resumed office because the opposing Conservative leader, Benjamin Disraeli, declined to form a minority government.

What financial measure led to the second defeat of Gladstone's ministry in 1885?

Gladstone's second ministry was defeated in 1885 when his budget was rejected by the House of Commons. The vote was 252 in favor of the budget and 264 against it, leading to Gladstone's resignation.

What amendment, famously known by a slogan, led to the defeat of Lord Salisbury's first ministry in 1886?

Lord Salisbury's first ministry was defeated in 1886 when the House of Commons passed Jesse Collings' amendment to the Queen's Speech, advocating for measures to help agricultural laborers obtain allotments and small holdings. This amendment became known as the "Three Acres and a Cow" amendment and passed by 329 to 250.

What was the specific issue that led to the third defeat of William Gladstone's ministry in 1886?

The third defeat of William Gladstone's ministry in 1886 occurred when Parliament rejected the government's Ireland Bill, which was treated as a confidence vote. Gladstone resigned immediately after the bill's defeat.

How did the House of Commons express its lack of confidence in Lord Salisbury's second ministry in 1892?

In 1892, the House of Commons passed an amendment to the Queen's Speech, moved by the Liberal Party, stating that Her Majesty's "present advisers" did not possess the confidence of the House. This amendment was carried by 350 votes to 310, resulting in Salisbury's resignation and Gladstone's fourth premiership.

What specific issue related to military supplies led to the defeat of Lord Rosebery's ministry in 1895, and what was its significance?

Lord Rosebery's ministry was defeated in 1895 by a vote of censure concerning the deficient supply of cordite to the Army, passed by 132 to 125. This event is significant as it was the last time a British government with a working majority was defeated on a confidence motion.

What was the political context of the 1924 vote of no confidence that led to the downfall of Stanley Baldwin's government?

Following the 1923 general election, which resulted in a hung Parliament, Stanley Baldwin's Conservative government, despite being the largest party, no longer held an overall majority. This allowed the Labour and Liberal parties to unite and pass a vote of no confidence, leading to Baldwin's resignation and the formation of the first Labour government under Ramsay MacDonald.

What was the specific wording of the motion of no confidence passed against Stanley Baldwin's government in January 1924?

The motion of no confidence against Stanley Baldwin's government in January 1924, moved by J. R. Clynes, stated: "But it is our duty respectfully to submit to your Majesty that Your Majesty's present advisers have not the confidence of this House."

What controversy surrounding legal proceedings led to the defeat of Ramsay MacDonald's first government in 1924?

Ramsay MacDonald's first government was defeated in 1924 following the withdrawal of criminal proceedings by His Majesty's Attorney General against the editor of the 'Workers' Weekly' in the Campbell Case. Although a direct censure motion failed, an alternative motion for a Select Committee to investigate the withdrawal was passed, which the government treated as a vote of confidence.

What were the long-term consequences of the 1924 vote of no confidence in Ramsay MacDonald's government?

The defeat of Ramsay MacDonald's government in 1924 led to a general election heavily influenced by the Zinoviev letter. While the Conservatives won a large majority, the election resulted in the permanent replacement of the Liberal Party by Labour as the Official Opposition.

By how many votes was James Callaghan's Labour government defeated in the March 1979 vote of no confidence?

James Callaghan's Labour government was defeated in the March 1979 vote of no confidence by a single vote, with the final tally being 311 votes in favor of the motion and 310 against.

What significant political shift occurred in the UK following the defeat of the Callaghan government in 1979?

The defeat of James Callaghan's government in 1979 led to a general election won by Margaret Thatcher's Conservative Party, marking the beginning of a significant period of Conservative rule and a shift in British politics. Labour did not return to government for another eighteen years, eventually under the banner of "New Labour."

How has the 1979 vote of no confidence against the Callaghan ministry been described in terms of its historical impact?

The 1979 vote of no confidence against James Callaghan's government has been described as "one of the most dramatic nights in Westminster history" by the BBC. Labour politician Roy Hattersley also remarked that it marked "the last rites" of "Old Labour."

What was the significance of the vote against William Pitt the Younger in 1784 regarding parliamentary dissolution?

The 1784 vote against William Pitt the Younger set an important precedent where a Prime Minister, facing parliamentary opposition, advised the King to dissolve Parliament rather than resign. This strategy led to a general election that ultimately strengthened Pitt's government.

How did the concept of "cabinet collective responsibility" relate to the government's resignation in the defeat of Lord North's ministry in 1782?

The resignation of Lord North's entire cabinet in 1782 after losing a vote of no confidence marked the first instance where the principle of cabinet collective responsibility was demonstrated in British parliamentary history, meaning the entire government resigned together.

What is the typical consequence when a government loses a vote of no confidence in the UK Parliament?

Typically, when a government loses a vote of no confidence, it is expected to resign. This resignation can lead to the formation of a new government by the opposition or, more commonly, the Prime Minister advises the monarch to dissolve Parliament and call a general election.

What does the text imply about the frequency of successful votes of no confidence in British governments historically?

The text implies that while there have been 24 successful votes of no confidence in total, they are not extremely frequent occurrences. The long gap between 1924 and 1979, and the fact that the 1979 vote was the most recent, suggests periods of relative stability or governments managing to maintain confidence.

What role do votes of no confidence play in the UK's parliamentary system?

Votes of no confidence are a crucial mechanism in the UK's parliamentary system, serving as a way for the House of Commons to hold the government accountable. A successful vote signifies that the government no longer commands the support of the majority in the Commons, typically leading to its resignation or a general election.

What was the nature of the political alignment that led to the defeat of Gladstone's government on the Irish University Bill in 1873?

The defeat of Gladstone's government on the Irish University Bill in 1873 was a result of a combination of opposition parties, including Conservative protectionists, Whigs, and Radicals, voting against the government's proposal.

What was the significance of the vote against Ramsay MacDonald's government in October 1924, beyond the immediate political outcome?

The vote against Ramsay MacDonald's government in October 1924, which led to a general election and the rise of the Conservatives, also had the long-term consequence of permanently establishing the Labour Party as the main opposition, replacing the Liberal Party.

What was Robert Walpole's position when he resigned in 1742 following the vote of no confidence?

When Robert Walpole resigned in 1742 after losing a vote of no confidence, he held the positions of First Lord of the Treasury and Chancellor of the Exchequer. He was later created Earl of Orford and left the House of Commons.

Who was asked to form a government after Lord North's ministry resigned in 1782?

Following Lord North's resignation in 1782, King George III asked Lord Rockingham to form a new government.

What was the outcome of the 1784 general election that followed William Pitt the Younger's successful navigation of a vote of no confidence?

The general election in 1784, precipitated by William Pitt the Younger's advice to dissolve Parliament, resulted in his government securing a safe majority in the House of Commons.

What was the political context surrounding the defeat of Lord Salisbury's first ministry in January 1886?

Lord Salisbury's first ministry, formed after Gladstone's resignation in 1885, lacked a majority. The government dissolved Parliament, leading to an election where no single party had a majority. Salisbury waited to meet Parliament, but Gladstone's subsequent stance on Irish Home Rule led to the government's defeat on a "Three Acres and a Cow" amendment.

What was the "Cordite vote" in 1895, and why is it considered historically significant?

The "Cordite vote" in 1895 refers to the vote of no confidence in Lord Rosebery's Liberal government, which was defeated by 132 to 125 over the issue of cordite supply to the Army. It is historically significant as the last time a British government with a working majority was defeated on a confidence motion.

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The Concept of Confidence

Parliamentary Confidence

In the Westminster system, a government must maintain the confidence of the House of Commons. A vote of no confidence is a formal motion proposed by the opposition, asserting that the government no longer commands the support of a majority of MPs. If passed, it typically obligates the government to resign or seek a dissolution of Parliament and call a general election.

Historical Significance

The practice of governments resigning upon losing a vote of no confidence has evolved over centuries. While not always explicitly codified, it represents a fundamental aspect of parliamentary accountability. The first recorded instance of a ministry resigning due to a loss of confidence in the House of Commons was in 1742.

Frequency and Impact

Successful votes of no confidence are relatively rare events in British political history. However, each instance marks a significant constitutional moment, often leading to a change in government or a general election, thereby reshaping the political landscape.

Early Pivots: 18th Century

Walpole Ministry (1742)

The government of Robert Walpole, widely considered the first *de facto* Prime Minister, faced its first significant parliamentary challenge. A motion concerning election returns was defeated by a single vote (235-236) on January 28, 1742. Walpole, interpreting this as a loss of confidence, resigned on February 11, 1742, marking the first such resignation in British parliamentary history.

Context: Walpole's long tenure was challenged by opposition Whigs and growing discontent over the War of Austrian Succession.

Division on Election Petition (Jan 28, 1742)
Ayes	235
Noes	236

Outcome: Walpole resigned, leading to a change in government under Lord Wilmington. This event established a precedent for parliamentary accountability.

North Ministry (1782)

The government of Lord North, heavily burdened by the American Revolutionary War, faced a critical motion. On February 27, 1782, the House of Commons passed a motion to end "the further prosecution of offensive warfare" in America by 234 votes to 215. This vote signaled the end of North's premiership.

Context: The decisive defeat at Yorktown severely weakened North's government and public support.

Division on Ending War in America (Feb 27, 1782)
Ayes	234
Noes	215

Outcome: North resigned on March 22, 1782. This marked the first instance where an entire British Cabinet resigned collectively after losing a confidence vote.

Pitt Ministry (1784)

William Pitt the Younger, despite enjoying royal support, faced persistent opposition from Charles James Fox and the Whigs. After a series of Commons defeats, including a motion on February 2, 1784 (223-204), Pitt controversially refused to resign. Instead, he advised the King to dissolve Parliament, leading to an election that solidified his majority.

Context: Pitt's minority government struggled against a strong opposition.

Division on Ministers' Continuance (Feb 2, 1784)
Ayes	223
Noes	204

Outcome: Pitt's defiance set a precedent for prime ministers to seek a dissolution rather than resign immediately after losing a vote, provided they retained royal confidence.

The 19th Century: Shifting Majorities

Wellington & Peel (1830s)

The Duke of Wellington's government fell in November 1830 following a defeat on a Civil List motion (204-233). Sir Robert Peel's first ministry was defeated in April 1835 on a report concerning the Church of Ireland (285-258), leading to his resignation.

Wellington (1830): Defeated on a government motion regarding the Civil List, leading to Lord Grey forming a Whig government.

Wellington Ministry Division (Nov 15, 1830)
Ayes	204
Noes	233

Peel (1835): Defeated on a report concerning the Church of Ireland, prompting Peel's resignation and Lord Melbourne's premiership.

Peel Ministry Division (Apr 7, 1835)
Ayes	285
Noes	258

Melbourne & Peel (1840s)

Lord Melbourne's government suffered two defeats: first in June 1841 on a confidence motion proposed by Peel (312-311), and again in August 1841 on an amendment to the Queen's Speech (269-360). Sir Robert Peel's second ministry fell in June 1846 after the defeat of his Protection of Life (Ireland) Bill (219-292).

Melbourne (1841): Two defeats led to resignation and a general election, followed by Peel's second ministry.

Melbourne Ministry Division (Jun 4, 1841)
Ayes	312
Noes	311

Melbourne Ministry Division (Aug 27, 1841)
Ayes	269
Noes	360

Peel (1846): Defeat on the "Coercion Bill" due to party divisions over the Corn Laws led to Peel's resignation.

Peel Ministry Division (Jun 25, 1846)
Ayes	219
Noes	292

Russell, Derby, Aberdeen, Palmerston (Mid-19th C)

Lord John Russell's government faced two defeats in 1851 (100-52) and 1852 (125-136), though he resumed office after the first. Lord Derby's ministry was defeated in December 1852 on the budget (286-305). Lord Aberdeen resigned in January 1855 after a vote on Crimean War mismanagement (305-148). Lord Palmerston experienced defeats in 1857 (263-247) and 1858 (215-234).

Russell (1851): Defeated on a franchise reform motion (100-52), but resumed office.

Russell Ministry Division (Feb 20, 1851)
Ayes	100
Noes	52

Russell (1852): Defeated on a Militia Bill (125-136), leading to Lord Derby's government.

Russell Ministry Division (Feb 20, 1852)
Ayes	125
Noes	136

Derby (1852): Budget defeat (286-305) led to resignation and Lord Aberdeen's coalition.

Derby Ministry Division (Dec 16, 1852)
Ayes	286
Noes	305

Aberdeen (1855): Vote on Crimean War mismanagement (305-148) caused resignation.

Aberdeen Ministry Division (Jan 29, 1855)
Ayes	305
Noes	148

Palmerston (1857): Defeat over the Arrow Incident/Second Opium War (263-247) led to an election.

Palmerston Ministry Division (Mar 3, 1857)
Ayes	263
Noes	247

Palmerston (1858): Defeat on the Conspiracy to Murder Bill (215-234) led to resignation.

Palmerston Ministry Division (Feb 19, 1858)
Ayes	215
Noes	234

Derby-Disraeli, Palmerston, Gladstone, Salisbury, Rosebery (Late 19th C)

Lord Derby's second ministry fell in June 1859 on a confidence motion (323-310). Lord Palmerston returned, but his government was succeeded by Lord Russell's, which fell in June 1866 (315-304). Gladstone's first ministry was defeated in March 1873 on university reform (284-287), but resumed office. His second ministry was defeated in June 1885 on the budget (252-264). Lord Salisbury's first ministry fell in January 1886 on the "Three Acres and a Cow" amendment (329-250). Gladstone's third ministry was defeated in June 1886 on the Ireland Bill (311-341). Salisbury's second ministry lost confidence in August 1892 (350-310), and his third ministry was defeated in June 1895 on the Cordite vote (132-125), the last time a majority government was defeated on such a motion.

Derby-Disraeli (1859): Defeated on an amendment to the Queen's Speech (323-310), leading to Palmerston's return.

Derby Ministry Division (Jun 10, 1859)
Ayes	323
Noes	310

Russell (1866): Defeated on reform proposals (315-304), leading to Derby's second ministry.

Russell Ministry Division (Jun 18, 1866)
Ayes	315
Noes	304

Gladstone (1873): Defeated on the University Education (Ireland) Bill (284-287), but resumed office.

Gladstone Ministry Division (Mar 11, 1873)
Ayes	284
Noes	287

Gladstone (1885): Budget defeat (252-264) led to resignation.

Gladstone Ministry Division (Jun 8, 1885)
Ayes	252
Noes	264

Salisbury (1886): Defeat on the "Three Acres and a Cow" amendment (329-250) led to Gladstone's return.

Salisbury Ministry Division (Jan 26, 1886)
Ayes	329
Noes	250

Gladstone (1886): Rejection of the Ireland Bill (311-341) caused immediate resignation.

Gladstone Ministry Division (Jun 7, 1886)
Ayes	311
Noes	341

Salisbury (1892): Defeat on an amendment to the Queen's Speech (350-310) led to Gladstone's fourth ministry.

Salisbury Ministry Division (Aug 11, 1892)
Ayes	350
Noes	310

Rosebery (1895): The "Cordite vote" (132-125) defeated the government, marking the last time a majority government was brought down by such a motion.

Rosebery Ministry Division (Jun 21, 1895)
Ayes	132
Noes	125

The 20th Century: Labour and Conservatism

Baldwin Ministry (1924)

Stanley Baldwin's Conservative government lost a vote of no confidence in January 1924 following the 1923 general election, which resulted in a hung parliament. The motion, moved by J. R. Clynes, passed by 328 votes to 251, leading to the formation of the first Labour government under Ramsay MacDonald.

Context: Hung parliament after the 1923 election.

Baldwin Ministry Division (Jan 22, 1924)
Ayes	328
Noes	251

Outcome: Baldwin resigned; Ramsay MacDonald formed a minority Labour government.

MacDonald Ministry (1924)

Ramsay MacDonald's first Labour government faced a critical vote over the withdrawal of proceedings in the Campbell Case. Although an initial motion censuring the government failed, an amendment calling for a select committee was passed by 364 votes to 198 on January 22, 1924. MacDonald treated this as a vote of confidence and called a general election.

Context: Controversy surrounding the handling of the Campbell Case.

MacDonald Ministry Division (Jan 22, 1924)
Ayes	364
Noes	198

Outcome: MacDonald called an election, which resulted in a Conservative victory, partly influenced by the Zinoviev Letter.

Callaghan Ministry (1979)

The final successful vote of no confidence occurred on March 28, 1979, against James Callaghan's Labour government. Margaret Thatcher's motion of censure passed by a single vote (311-310), forcing Callaghan to call a general election, which brought the Conservatives to power.

Context: The "Winter of Discontent" and widespread industrial action had severely weakened the government's standing.

Callaghan Ministry Division (Mar 28, 1979)
Ayes	311
Noes	310

Outcome: The narrow defeat led to a general election, won by Margaret Thatcher, marking a significant political realignment.

Analysis and Precedents

Evolution of Confidence

The concept of confidence has evolved from a matter of royal prerogative and parliamentary courtesy to a constitutional convention. Early instances involved resignations based on perceived loss of support, while later events solidified the principle that a government must command a majority in the elected House of Commons to remain in power.

Resignation vs. Dissolution

Prime Ministers facing defeat have historically had two primary options: resign, allowing the monarch to invite the leader of the opposition to form a government, or request a dissolution of Parliament and call a general election. Pitt's defiance in 1784 set a precedent for the latter, though resignation remains the more common outcome when a government's majority is definitively lost.

The Rarity of Success

While many confidence motions have been debated, only a select few have resulted in the government's defeat. These moments are critical junctures, often triggered by major political crises, unpopular policies, or significant shifts in parliamentary alliances, as seen in the narrow defeat of the Callaghan ministry in 1979.

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References

G. H. L. Le. May, "The Ministerial Crisis of 1851." History Today (June 1951), Vol. 1 Issue 6, p52-58

A full list of references for this article are available at the List of successful votes of no confidence in British governments Wikipedia page

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The Shifting Sands of Power

💡 Dive in with Flashcard Learning! 💡

The Concept of Confidence ⚖️

🏛️ Parliamentary Confidence

📜 Historical Significance

📊 Frequency and Impact

Early Pivots: 18th Century ⏳

👑 Walpole Ministry (1742)

🇬🇧 North Ministry (1782)

⚖️ Pitt Ministry (1784)

The 19th Century: Shifting Majorities 🎩

🎖️ Wellington & Peel (1830s)

📜 Melbourne & Peel (1840s)

🏛️ Russell, Derby, Aberdeen, Palmerston (Mid-19th C)

🏛️ Derby-Disraeli, Palmerston, Gladstone, Salisbury, Rosebery (Late 19th C)

The 20th Century: Labour and Conservatism 📅

🇬🇧 Baldwin Ministry (1924)

🇬🇧 MacDonald Ministry (1924)

🇬🇧 Callaghan Ministry (1979)

Analysis and Precedents 📈

⚖️ Evolution of Confidence

🔄 Resignation vs. Dissolution

📉 The Rarity of Success

Teacher's Corner 🧑‍🏫

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📜 References

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Disclaimer ⚠️

📜 Important Notice

Dive in with Flashcard Learning!

The Concept of Confidence

Parliamentary Confidence

Historical Significance

Frequency and Impact

Early Pivots: 18th Century

Walpole Ministry (1742)

North Ministry (1782)

Pitt Ministry (1784)

The 19th Century: Shifting Majorities

Wellington & Peel (1830s)

Melbourne & Peel (1840s)

Russell, Derby, Aberdeen, Palmerston (Mid-19th C)

Derby-Disraeli, Palmerston, Gladstone, Salisbury, Rosebery (Late 19th C)

The 20th Century: Labour and Conservatism

Baldwin Ministry (1924)

MacDonald Ministry (1924)

Callaghan Ministry (1979)

Analysis and Precedents

Evolution of Confidence

Resignation vs. Dissolution

The Rarity of Success

Teacher's Corner

True or False?

Test Your Knowledge!

Gamer's Corner

Discover other topics to study!

References

Feedback & Support

Disclaimer

Important Notice