Lord Melbourne succeeds Sir Robert Peel as British Prime Minister

Background. Sir Robert Peel became Prime Minister in December 1834 but lacked a parliamentary majority. The general election in early 1835 failed to secure sufficient Conservative seats. On 7 April 1835, a Whig MP brought forward a critical report on Peel's administration of Church of Ireland revenues. This loss led to Peel's resignation on 8 April 1835, creating the vacancy for Melbourne.

Ministerial Change. William Lamb, 2nd Viscount Melbourne, formed his second ministry in 1835 after Peel's minority government resigned. Melbourne had previously served as Prime Minister until his dismissal by King William IV in November 1834. The Whigs returned to power under Melbourne in April 1835, marking the start of the second Melbourne ministry.

Key Appointments. The new ministry included Henry John Temple, 3rd Viscount Palmerston, who returned as Foreign Secretary. Lord John Russell held his first major office as Home Secretary. These appointments solidified the Whig administration following the transition from Peel's Conservative government.