1874 election • MPs

1880 election • MPs

1885 election • MPs

1886 election • MPs

1892 election • MPs

The 1885 UK general election was from 24 November to 18 December 1885. This was the first general election after an extension of the franchise and redistribution of seats. For the first time a majority of adult males could vote and most constituencies returned a single-member to Parliament. It saw the Liberals, led by William Gladstone, win the most seats, but not an overall majority. As the Irish Nationalists held the balance of power between them and the Conservatives, this exacerbated divisions within the Liberals over Irish Home Rule and led to a split and another general election the following year.

Results

Total votes cast: 4,638,235. All parties shown.

Voting summary

Seats summary

See also

• MPs elected in the UK general election, 1885
• The Parliamentary Franchise in the United Kingdom 1885-1918
• Representation of the People Act 1884
• Redistribution of Seats Act 1885

References

• F. W. S. Craig, British Electoral Facts: 1832-1987
• Spartacus: Political Parties and Election Results
• United Kingdom election results - summary results 1885-1979