July 1852
General election

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The Whig/Liberal government splits over the Militia Bill, with Foreign Secretary Palmerston leading the rebellion. The government falls and a general election is called. The Conservatives are elected as the biggest party, with Peelite MPs and an increased intake of Irish MPs holding the balance of power. Lord Derby leads the government from the Lords and Benjamin Disraeli is chancellor of the Exchequer.

It's destined to be a short administration. Disraeli presents a tax-raising budget that is attacked by Peelite MP William Gladstone, and it is rejected. The government resigns.

The queen appoints the earl of Aberdeen to take over as prime minister, and he rules with a Whig/Peelite coalition. Palmerston becomes home secretary – Queen Victoria, still angry about his recognition of Louis Napoleon (see 19 December 1851), has vetoed his appointment as foreign secretary. Gladstone is chancellor and Lord John Russell is a caretaker foreign secretary.

Two Irish MPs, Keogh and Sadler, become junior ministers in the coalition. Their fellow Irish MPs are divided about whether they should accept or refuse office.

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