The Legacy of Coalition: Fear and Loathing in Conservative Politics, 1922-1931

The split over the coalition in October 1922 caused long-term disunity in the Conservative Party, and the distinction between pro- and anti-coalitionists remained the most significant fault-line in Conservative politics for the next nine years. The new leadership and the majority of backbench MPs constantly suspected the former coalitionists of plotting to reverse the verdict of 1922. The legacy of bitterness and distrust was a crucial factor in the key events of the period, including the aftermath of the 1923 election defeat, the formation of the 1924 cabinet, the ‘cruiser crisis’ of 1925, the Irwin Declaration crisis of 1929, and the attacks on Baldwin’s leadership in 1930-31.