David Lloyd George
David Lloyd George, (1863-1945). Welsh Liberal statesman. After a poor childhood he became a solicitor and in 1890 was elected MP for Caernarvon Boroughs, a seat he held for 54 years. He supported Welsh nationalism and through his wit and persuasiveness became a prominent figure in the House of Commons. He was also notorious for his many affairs with women. As chancellor of the exchequer (1908-15) he introduced health insurance and old-age pensions, laying the foundations of the Welfare State. Later, as prime minister (1916-22), he saw Britain through World War I. After his coalition government fell he never regained his former dominance in British politics.
