3-057-108 - Heritage Art/Heritage Images

Joseph Chamberlain, MP, President of the Board of Trade, 1881. Chamberlain (1836-1914) began his career as a Liberal and a campaigner for educational reform, and became President of the Board of Trade in Gladstone's government formed in 1880. After disagreeing with Gladstone's plans to grant Irish Home Rule, Chamberlain left the Liberal Party. He formed an alliance with the Conservatives, as an imperialist and protectionist, and was made Colonial Secretary in 1895. In 1903 he resigned from the cabinet to lead the campaign for protectionist tariff reforms known as Imperial Preference. In 1906 Chamberlain suffered a severe stroke, bringing an end to his active involvement in politics. He was the father of Austen Chamberlain and Neville Chamberlain, both of whom also became MPs and cabinet ministers.