Shelburne ministry explained

Incumbent:1782–1783
Government Head Title:Prime Minister
Government Head:Lord Shelburne
State Head Title:Monarch
State Head:George III
Total Number:16 appointments
Legislature Term:15th GB Parliament
Previous:Second Rockingham ministry
Successor:Fox–North coalition

This is a list of the principal holders of government office during the premiership of the Earl of Shelburne between July 1782 and April 1783.

Upon the fall of the North ministry in March 1782, Whig Lord Rockingham became Prime Minister for a second time. He died in office four months later, and Home Secretary Lord Shelburne was invited to form a government. However, Charles James Fox and several other former Rockinghamites (including Cavendish and Burke) refused to serve under Shelburne and went into opposition. The Foxites allied with the supporters of Lord North to bring down the government, and the Fox–North coalition came to power in April 1783. This government did not long survive the hostility of King George III, and many of Shelburne's ministers returned to office under the leadership of William Pitt the Younger in December 1783, though Shelburne himself was consoled with the title Marquess of Lansdowne.

Cabinet

Changes

  • January 1783 – Lord Howe succeeds Lord Keppel at the Admiralty.

Ministers not in Cabinet

References