William Gladstone

Gladstone, as Chancellor of the Exchequer, delivered his first budget in 1853, which reduced tariffs and extended income tax. He aimed for free trade and fiscal responsibility, setting the stage for his reputation as a financial reformer.

Gladstone became Prime Minister for the first time on December 3, 1868, after winning the general election. His first ministry (1868-1874) passed major reforms including the disestablishment of the Irish Church, the Education Act 1870, and the Ballot Act 1872.

Gladstone's government passed the Irish Church Act 1869, which disestablished the Church of Ireland as the state church in Ireland. This removed its official status and ended mandatory tithes for Catholics, addressing a major grievance in Irish politics.

Gladstone's government passed the Elementary Education Act 1870, which established school boards and provided for elementary education in England and Wales. It created a national system of education, though attendance was not compulsory until later.

Gladstone conducted the Midlothian Campaign in 1879-1880, a series of speeches in Scotland attacking Disraeli's foreign policy. This was the first modern political campaign, using mass rallies and media coverage. It helped the Liberals win the 1880 general election.

Gladstone introduced the First Home Rule Bill in 1886, proposing a devolved parliament for Ireland. The bill split the Liberal Party and was defeated in the Commons. This issue dominated his later career and led to the formation of the Liberal Unionist Party.