10 Deeply Personal Historical Rivalries
5. William Gladstone Vs. Benjamin Disraeli: Prime Cuts
The hatred, buried beneath several layers of starch and Victorian self loathing, between William Gladstone and Benjamin Disraeli has become the stuff of Parliamentary legend. Though they began their careers in the same party, events would lead to them being on opposite sides of the Commons and trading government positions several times.
In 1852 Disraeli, as Chancellor of the Exchequer, presented his budget to parliament. After his speech, Gladstone spent some two hours verbally eviscerating Disraeli. The budget failed, the Tory government collapsed and the Peelites (later the Liberals) took over with Gladstone as Chancellor.
There was a tradition that the incoming chancellor would pay the outgoing one a large sum of money to cover the cost of furniture used in 11 Downing Street. Gladstone refused to do this and told Disraeli if he didn't like it he should talk to someone who gave a damn. But more politely.
Annoyed over the ignored tradition Disraeli refused to hand over the ceremonial robes of the chancellor: this caused a great deal of distress for Gladstone. He took his robes, guys.
Disraeli bastardised Gladstone's nickname of the Grand Old Man (GOM), referring to him as God's only mistake, and saying that Gladstone had not a single redeeming defect. Translation: pompous ass.