WILLIAM EWART GLADSTONE (1809-1898), a British statesman of Scottish descent was a four-time prime minister of Great Britain, twelve years in total. His political career started in 1832 as a Tory member of parliament. Over time he converted from conservatism to Gladstonian liberalism emphasizing equal opportunity and opposition to trade protectionism. He was popular among the working class, and historians often call him one of Britain's greatest leaders.
