‘I continue very loquacious!’: Leading from the backbenches, April 1933 – June 1935

Abstract

During the spring of 1933 there was a sudden and dramatic improvement in Chamberlain's spirits as the clouds of gloom which had hung over him since having office began to disperse. At last, Garvin's efforts were beginning to bear fruit as the first two volumes of the long-awaitedLife of Joseph Chamberlainappeared to a favourable reception from both the family and the general public. Chamberlain was also beginning to earn some money to at host alleviate his financial worries. The principal reason for this renaissance, however, was a growing confidence that his stock was rapidly rising both in the Commons and outside it. No longer physically and mentally exhausted by the constant demands of office, his speeches became the subject of ‘pleasant observations’ and genuine praise from lobby correspondents and fellow Members. Moreover, as new problems and threats emerged to confront the Empire, Chamberlain also became convinced that he still had a valuable contribution to make and a voice capable of carrying that message with authority. A significant barometer of this recovery in his morale is to be found in the greater length and detail of his diary Utters during this period.