Relugas Compact facts for kids

The Relugas Compact was a secret plan made in 1905 by three important British politicians from the Liberal Party. These politicians were H. H. Asquith, Sir Edward Grey, and R. B. Haldane. Their goal was to force the person expected to become the next prime minister, Sir Henry Campbell-Bannerman, to give up his leadership role in the House of Commons.

This plan was important because it showed a new way of doing politics at the highest level. At a time when powerful families still had a lot of influence, this secret meeting showed that different political ideas were now fighting for control within one of the major parties.

What Was the Relugas Compact?

The name "Relugas Compact" comes from a meeting between the three friends, Asquith, Grey, and Haldane, in September 1905. They were all part of a group called the Liberal Imperialists.

Asquith had rented a country house in Rothes in Moray, Scotland. Grey owned a fishing lodge in a village called Relugas, about 15 miles away. This is where they met to talk about the political situation.

The Secret Plan

At Relugas, they decided on their plan. They wanted to make Campbell-Bannerman a "dummy prime minister" by moving him to the Lords. This would mean he would no longer be in charge of the House of Commons, where the real power was. Asquith would then take over as the true leader in the Commons.

They also decided which of their friends would get important jobs in the next Liberal government. Haldane later wrote in his book that they called their agreement the "Relugas Compact."

Why Did They Make This Plan?

By late 1905, it was clear that the Conservative government, led by Prime Minister Arthur Balfour, was losing power and was very unpopular. Everyone expected the Liberal Party to win the next election and form a new government.

Asquith, Grey, and Haldane agreed that they would refuse to join the new government unless Campbell-Bannerman agreed to become a peer. This would mean he would move to the House of Lords and give up his seat in the Commons.

Who Wanted Which Job?

The main goals of the plotters were to get important jobs for themselves:

• Asquith wanted to be the leader in the Commons and the Chancellor of the Exchequer (in charge of the country's money).
• Grey wanted to be the Foreign Secretary (in charge of dealing with other countries) or the Colonial Secretary (in charge of the British Empire).
• Haldane wanted to be the Lord Chancellor (a top legal job).

They also hoped to bring back former Liberal Prime Minister Lord Rosebery into a senior role, but it's not clear if Rosebery knew about their specific plan.

Liberal Imperialists and Their Ideas

Asquith, Grey, Haldane, and Rosebery were important members of the Liberal Imperialists. This was a group within the Liberal Party during the late Victorian era and Edwardian period.

What They Believed In

The Liberal Imperialists had different ideas from some other Liberals:

• They supported the growth and development of the British Empire and Imperialism.
• They wanted to reduce the party's focus on Irish Home Rule (the idea of Ireland governing itself).
• They believed in "national efficiency." This meant the government should work to improve people's lives through better social conditions, education, and welfare. They also wanted to make government more efficient to keep Britain strong in business, industry, and the military.

Asquith and Grey were also linked to Rosebery through the Liberal League. This group was set up in 1902 by Rosebery, with Asquith and Grey as vice-presidents. The Liberal League aimed to promote Liberal Imperialist ideas.

Was It About Ideas or Power?

The Relugas plotters, especially Haldane, had doubts about Campbell-Bannerman's ability to lead the Liberal Party in making big social and government changes. However, it's not fully clear if the Relugas Compact was truly about different political ideas or more about the personal ambitions of these politicians.

There had been some planning by Asquith and Grey even before 1905. For example, in January 1904, David Lloyd George met with Grey. Grey suggested that the prime minister should be someone from the House of Lords, like Rosebery or Earl Spencer. This would allow Asquith to lead the party freely from the House of Commons.

Grey even told Lloyd George that he wouldn't mind if Campbell-Bannerman became prime minister, as long as he agreed to go to the Lords. This shows that the main goal was to get Asquith in charge of the Commons, with Grey and Haldane in other top jobs.

Rosebery's Role

Rosebery's part in the Relugas plan soon became complicated. Asquith, Grey, and Haldane hoped to bring Rosebery and his ideas back into the center of politics.

However, Rosebery was not a reliable ally. He publicly criticized Campbell-Bannerman too strongly. In a speech at Bodmin on November 25, he said he would never join a Liberal government that put Irish Home Rule before social and education reforms. This effectively ruled him out of the new government.

The Plan Falls Apart

Grey, who had been the least enthusiastic of the three plotters, was the one who actually told Campbell-Bannerman that he would not serve in his government unless Campbell-Bannerman moved to the House of Lords.

This challenge only made Campbell-Bannerman more determined to stay in the Commons. He realized that this was a wider plan against him, not just Haldane's idea. Campbell-Bannerman refused to back down.

King Edward VII's Involvement

King Edward VII knew about the Relugas plotters' plans through his private secretary, Francis Knollys. Haldane had been writing to Knollys and even met the King. The King thought it might be too much for one person to be both prime minister and leader in the House of Commons.

However, Campbell-Bannerman strongly disliked the idea of going to the House of Lords. He flatly refused the title of Earl of Belmont that was offered to him.

The Plotters Give In

At a meeting on November 13, 1905, Asquith accepted Campbell-Bannerman’s offer to become Chancellor of the Exchequer. This decision greatly weakened the Relugas Compact.

Grey, despite his earlier threat, agreed to become Foreign Secretary after someone else refused the job. So, at least he got an important position. Haldane also joined the government, but not as Lord Chancellor as he had hoped. He became Secretary of State for War.

By early December 1905, the Conservative government could no longer hold on. Prime Minister Balfour resigned, forcing the Liberals to form a government and call a general election.

On December 16, 1905, Campbell-Bannerman announced a dissolution of Parliament and called a general election for January 1906. The upcoming election forced the Liberal Party to unite, and the Relugas plotters could no longer work against Campbell-Bannerman.

The failure of this secret plan has been called "one of the most delicious comedies in British political history." Rosebery was left out, and the party united behind a "New Liberalism."

What Happened Next?

It's ironic that Campbell-Bannerman actually had some doubts about being prime minister. Moving to the House of Lords might have made his life easier, especially since he wasn't in the best health. He might have even considered the King's suggestion to think about his health.

Campbell-Bannerman's wife, Charlotte, became very ill and died in August 1906. He never fully recovered from this loss. He suffered several heart attacks and was forced to resign on April 4, 1908. He died shortly after, on April 22, 1908, at the age of 71, at 10 Downing Street.

Asquith then became prime minister. He kept Grey as Foreign Secretary and Haldane as War Secretary. Asquith went on to lead one of the most successful governments of the 20th century, bringing in many important reforms.