Arthur Henderson

For the recipient of the Victoria Cross, see Arthur Henderson (VC)

Cabinet Minister

In 1914, the First World War broke out, and the then-Labour leader, Ramsay MacDonald, resigned in protest. Henderson was elected to replace him, and in 1915, following Prime Minister Asquith's decision to create a coalition government, became the first member of the Labour Party to become a member of the Cabinet, as President of the Board of Education.

Related Topics:
1914 - First World War - Ramsay MacDonald - 1915 - Asquith - President of the Board of Education

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In 1916, David Lloyd George forced Asquith to resign and became Prime Minister. Henderson became a member of the small War Cabinet with the job of Minister without Portfolio. It is doubtful that Henderson was one of the plotters, but he himself resigned in August 1917 when his idea for an international conference on the war was voted down by the rest of the cabinet; shortly afterwards he resigned as Labour leader.

Related Topics:
1916 - David Lloyd George - War Cabinet - Minister without Portfolio - August - 1917

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