24 November 1879
Midlothian campaign

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Gladstone makes the first in a series of speeches attacking the Conservatives. He accuses Disraeli of following an expansionist and costly imperial policy that will damage Britain's interests. He calls it 'Beaconsfieldism' (a derisive reference to the fact that Disraeli is now earl of Beaconsfield) and uses the term repeatedly in the run-up to the general election.

Queen Victoria disapproves of such negative campaigning. In her opinion, 'Such conduct is unheard of and the only excuse is – that he is not quite sane.' But Gladstone strikes a chord with the voting public.

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