British Liberal statesman, Prime Minister (1868–74; 1880–85; 1886; 1892–94). After an early career as a Conservative minister, he joined the Liberal Party, becoming its leader in 1867. His ministries were notable for the introduction of a series of social and political reforms (including the introduction of elementary education, and the passing of the Irish Land Acts and the third Reform Act) and for his campaign in favour of Home Rule for Ireland, which led to the defection of the Unionists from the Liberal Party.