Townshend ministry
Townshend ministry | |
|---|---|
Cabinet of Great Britain | |
| 1714 – 1717 | |
Charles Townshend, 2nd Viscount Townshend headed the government. | |
| Date formed | 13 October 1714 |
| Date dissolved | 1717 |
| People and organisations | |
| Monarch | George I |
| Chief Minister | Charles Townshend, 2nd Viscount Townshend |
| Member party | |
| Status in legislature | Majority |
| Opposition party | |
| Opposition leader | |
| History | |
| Election | 1715 general election |
| Legislature terms | 1713–1715 1715–1722 |
| Predecessor | Harley ministry |
| Successor | First Stanhope–Sunderland ministry |
Charles Townshend, 2nd Viscount Townshend, was appointed Secretary of State for the Northern Department by George I of Great Britain in September 1714. Until 1717, he held the position of Northern Secretary and was the de facto leader of the Whig administration. However, he was later demoted to Lord Lieutenant of Ireland when he was outmanoeuvred by his rival Whigs, who formed the first Stanhope-Sunderland ministry. This led to a split within the Whig party that lasted until 1720.