Spencer Compton, the 8th Earl of Wilmington, became Prime Minister of Great Britain in an interesting political landscape where he succeeded Robert Walpole, who was the longest-serving Prime Minister before Compton's appointment. Although Compton was not particularly influential on his own, his ascension to power on February 16, 1742, signified a shift in leadership during an era characterized by political realignment and significant pressures from parliamentary factions. Compton was a member of the Whig party and at the time, his government was one that tried to manage the power struggles that were common in British politics of that era.

During his short premiership, Compton struggled with various challenges such as sustaining the support of key political allies while also appeasing the monarchy. He presided over a government that was marked by ongoing conflicts and had to navigate a fragile political balance, especially with regard to the foreign policy of Britain amidst the War of the Austrian Succession. Compton's government attempted to maintain the status quo but had limited success in solidifying a coherent political strategy due to internal divisions.

Compton’s term as Prime Minister lasted only a year before he resigned in 1743, leading to the reemergence of the powerful Whig leadership. His difficulties in maintaining control reflect the broader political dynamics of the time, where party affiliations and personal ambitions often dictated the direction of government policy rather than a clear vision of governance. His administration is often viewed as a bridge between the long Walpole era and the subsequent political innovations that would engulf British politics in the latter half of the 18th century.