Pitt–Devonshire ministry
The government of Great Britain was under the joint leadership of William Pitt the Elder and William Cavendish, 4th Duke of Devonshire, from November 1756 to April 1757—when Pitt was dismissed by King George II. Although George II disliked Pitt, Pitt's influence in the House of Commons led to his appointment as Secretary of State for the Southern Department and the key minister in a government nominally headed by Devonshire. In July 1757, the Pitt–Newcastle ministry was formed under Pitt and Thomas Pelham-Holles, 1st Duke of Newcastle.Ministry
The principal ministers of the Crown were as follows:
