[3] The outgoing Labour cabinet, which was a minority government, was unable to agree upon proposals to cut public expenditure.

The Liberal National group led by Sir John Simon had accepted the Conservative policy of protectionism.

David Lloyd George had been expected to join the government after recovering from surgery following an operation on his prostate as he was still the official leader of the Liberal party.

MacDonald's National Government had not originally been intended to fight a general election, but under Conservative pressure one was soon called.

The 1931 general election took place on 27 October 1931 and led to a landslide victory for candidates supporting the National Government.