First Whig Junto

The First Whig Junto controlled the government of England from 1694 to 1699.

Having slowly increased their presence in government under Lord Danby, the Whig Junto established dominance in 1694 with the appointment of Charles Montagu as Chancellor of the Exchequer. Danby remained in office, but the Junto controlled the government of England from 1694 to 1699. It had six prominent members: Montagu (who emerged as overall leader in 1697, the same year that the last Tory, Godolphin, was removed from office), Somers, Wharton, Romney, Orford, and Shrewsbury. Amongst its Parliamentary leaders were the Earls of Sunderland and Portland in the House of Lords. The Whigs held a majority in the House of Commons after the election in 1695, although not all Whig MPs were unswervingly loyal to the Junto.

• James Vernon was appointed Secretary of State in 1697, with responsibility for the Northern Department. The following year, after the Duke of Shrewsbury left the government, he took responsibility for the Southern Department as well.