John Stuart of Bute

Bute was appointed Prime Minister by George III, becoming the first Scottish-born holder of the office. His close relationship with the King and his Scottish background made him deeply unpopular with the English public and political elite.

Bute's government introduced a tax on cider production to raise revenue. The tax provoked widespread protests in cider-producing regions, especially the West Country, and contributed to Bute's unpopularity and eventual resignation.

Bute's government negotiated the Treaty of Paris, ending the Seven Years' War. Britain gained Canada, Florida, and territories in India, but Bute was criticized for returning some conquests to France and Spain, fueling accusations of weakness.

Facing intense public hostility, parliamentary opposition, and mob violence, Bute resigned as Prime Minister after only 11 months. He remained influential as a behind-the-scenes advisor to George III, but never held high office again.