Andrew Bonar Law Biography and Timeline — Page 2

Law Withdraws From Government

Bonar Law leaves his senior coalition offices as ill health forces him to reduce his political commitments.

Prime Minister of Great Britain

Appointed Prime Minister of Great Britain

Role range: 1916-1922 – 1922-1923

Election

The Conservatives win 38.5% of votes cast & 344 MPs. Leads the Conservatives to an overall victory of 75 in the general election

Role range: 1916-1922 – 1922-1923

Law Speaks Against Coalition Renewal

Bonar Law supports Conservative independence during the crucial discussion over the future of the coalition.

Law Returns to Conservative Leadership

Bonar Law returns to the party leadership following Austen Chamberlain's defeat and resignation.

Law Invited to Form Government

King George V asks Bonar Law to form a government after Lloyd George leaves office.

Law Forms Conservative Ministry

Bonar Law assembles a Conservative administration without the Liberal coalition partner whose leadership had dominated the previous government.

Law Calls General Election

Bonar Law moves to seek a fresh electoral mandate following the Conservative decision to govern independently.

Law Wins Conservative Majority

The Conservatives secure a majority in the general election, vindicating the decision to campaign separately from Lloyd George.

Law Announces Independent Conservative Programme

The new prime minister leads the Conservatives into an election on their own political platform rather than a coalition agreement.

Carlton Vote Reshapes Party Direction

The parliamentary Conservative Party decides to contest the election under its own leader and programme.

Law Gains Authority After Meeting

Bonar Law emerges from the debate as the preferred leader of Conservatives seeking independence from Lloyd George.

Law Replaces Coalition Administration

The new Conservative prime minister succeeds Lloyd George after his supporters win the argument against a renewed coalition.

Law Returns to Political Leadership

Bonar Law reemerges as the leading alternative to the Conservative supporters of Lloyd George's coalition.

Law Becomes Prime Minister

Bonar Law succeeds Lloyd George and becomes prime minister in October after the Carlton Club decision.

Law Forms Majority Government

The Conservatives win a Commons majority under Bonar Law in the November general election.

Law Chooses Conservative Cabinet

Bonar Law appoints ministers for an independent Conservative government following the end of the coalition.

Law Addresses Postwar Economy

His government confronts unemployment and difficult public finances in the unsettled postwar economy.

Resignation of Andrew Bonar Law

Law resigns because he is dying from throat cancer

Role range: 1916-1922 – 1922-1923

Law Faces Serious Illness

Bonar Law's worsening throat illness severely restricts his ability to continue governing.

Law Resigns as Prime Minister

Bonar Law resigns in May because his health makes continued service impossible.

Law Succeeded by Stanley Baldwin

Stanley Baldwin takes over the premiership after Bonar Law's retirement from office.

Death of Andrew Bonar Law

Bonar Law dies in October, less than six months after his resignation as prime minister.

Law Buried at Westminster Abbey

Bonar Law is buried in Westminster Abbey following his death, reflecting his standing as a former prime minister.