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Chamberlain war ministry

Neville Chamberlain formed the Chamberlain war ministry in 1939 after declaring war on Germany. Chamberlain led the country for the first eight months of the Second World War, until the Norway Debate in Parliament led Chamberlain to resign and Winston Churchill to form a new ministry.

"Fifth National Government" redirects here. For the New Zealand government, see Fifth National Government of New Zealand.

Chamberlain war ministry

3 September 1939 (1939-09-03)

10 May 1940 (1940-05-10)

98 appointments

Majority (coalition)
428 / 615 (70%)



Prime Minister and Leader of the House of Commons

Neville Chamberlain

Sir – Lord Privy Seal

Samuel Hoare

Sir – Chancellor of the Exchequer

John Simon

Secretary of State for War

Leslie Hore-Belisha

Sir – Secretary of State for Air

Kingsley Wood

First Lord of the Admiralty

Winston Churchill

Minister without Portfolio

Lord Hankey

D. Butler and G. Butler, Twentieth Century British Political Facts 1900–2000.