khaki election

Snap election in October 1900 called by the Conservative prime minister, the Earl of Salisbury, in the wake of British successes in the 2nd Boer War. Salisbury hoped to build on the public euphoria at the victories in South Africa to restore his government, but although he won a slightly increased majority he did not manage to make good the losses in his majority since 1895. It is called the ‘khaki’ election after the colour of the army's uniform in South Africa.