... was 'more of a diehard than any Conservative leader since his godfather the Duke of Wellington.' Salisbury had many skills. His choice of leadership within the Conservatives was crucial. For example, in 1887 he appointed W.H.Smith to be first Lord of the Treasury. This showed Salisbury's shrewd judgement of men from a social group different from his own. This was important as this man was from a working class background, and could have had a good effect on the vote from the working classes. Salisbury also used to appoint people from a business background, with 200 in the upper house by 1914. Salisbury also held together a wide alliance, which was vital if the conservatives were to succeed. The Liberal Unionists became a worthy ally. This group brought valuable advantages for Salisbury's governments on many occasions. In Salisbury's second ministry 1886-92, the government was almost a pure Conservative administration. It did ...

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