After the conclusion of the 1698 English general election the government led by the Whig Junto believed it had held its ground against the opposition.

Over the previous few years, divisions had emerged within the Whig party between the 'court' supporters of the junto and the 'country' faction, who disliked the royal prerogative, were concerned about governmental corruption, and opposed a standing army.

The Whigs made gains in the counties and in small boroughs, but not in the larger urban constituencies.

After 1699, the junto ministry gradually disintegrated to be replaced by a largely Tory government, which was securely in power by the autumn of 1700.

Party strengths are an approximation, with the allegiance of many MPs being unknown.