Robert Cecil, 3rd Marquess of Salisbury becomes Prime Minister of the United Kingdom

Background. Salisbury, a Conservative politician, had previously served as Prime Minister from 1885 to 1886 leading a minority administration. His tenure was limited by the lack of a parliamentary majority. The political landscape shifted when William Ewart Gladstone advocated for Irish Home Rule, causing a fracture within the Liberal party. This split created an opportunity for Salisbury to align with breakaway Liberal Unionists, securing a stronger political base.

Political Alignment. Salisbury opposed Gladstone's Home Rule policy and formed an alliance with the Liberal Unionists who broke away from the main Liberal party. This coalition enabled him to win the subsequent general election and return to power with a majority. His approach reflected a reactionary credo, preferring stability and restraint over what he viewed as demagogic liberalism, rather than embracing a new popular Conservatism.

Office and Residence. Modern prime ministers hold office by virtue of their ability to command the confidence of the House of Commons. The prime minister of the United Kingdom, as first lord of the treasury, has an official residence and office at 10 Downing Street in London, located in Downing Street off Whitehall in the City of Westminster. The supplied passages do not state that Salisbury personally operated from the building in 1886.