16 October 1900
General election

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The 'Khaki Election' is called during the Boer War. The Conservatives benefit from an upsurge in patriotism, while the Liberals are divided into pro-war and anti-war camps. Liberal policies continue to appeal to single-interest groups (such as temperance campaigners and land reformers), but do not offer much to working people struggling with low wages and poor housing. There is also a growing number of white-collar staff and senior artisans, who identify the Conservatives as the party most likely to protect their interests.

The Conservatives win a massive victory, increasing their already large majority. The Marquess of Salisbury remains prime minister, with Joseph Chamberlain as colonial secretary and Arthur Balfour as Irish secretary. Two candidates are elected from the growing labour movement (see 1893 Independent Labour Party founded). One, Keir Hardie, will go on to be leader of the Labour Party in the coming century.

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