British general election of 1892

Background. The election occurred against the backdrop of the Liberal Unionist Party, formed in 1886 by a faction breaking from the Liberal Party. This party had established an alliance with the Conservatives in opposition to Irish Home Rule. The 1885 election had left Irish Nationalists holding the balance of power, convincing Gladstone that Ireland deserved Home Rule. The 1886 election left the Conservatives as the largest party but without an overall majority, relying on Liberal Unionist support.

Election Results. The election was held from 4 to 26 July 1892. The Conservatives, led by Lord Salisbury, won the greatest number of seats but lost their majority. William Ewart Gladstone's Liberals won 80 more seats than in the 1886 general election. The Liberal Unionists, who had previously supported the Conservative government, saw their vote and seat numbers decline. Their strength in the House of Commons fell from 78 seats in 1886 to 47 in 1892.

Political Consequences. Salisbury refused to resign on hearing the election results because the Liberals did not have a majority on their own. He waited to be defeated in a vote of no confidence on 11 August. This led to his resignation on 12 August. Gladstone returned as Prime Minister, supported by Irish nationalists. Hostile feelings between former political colleagues hardened with the return of Gladstone as Prime Minister following the election.