December 1, 1905

In December 1905, Henry Campbell-Bannerman took office as Prime Minister when the Liberals were invited to form a government.

Churchill became Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies. During this time he was heavily occupied in dealing with South Africa after the end of the Boer War.

Lord Elgin held the post of Colonial Secretary with responsibility for directing all colonial affairs worldwide. As Under-Secretary, Churchill was his chief assistant.

Since Elgin was in the House of Lords, Churchill was the nominal chief spokesman on colonial affairs in the House, much to Elgin’s anguish.