Sydney was once again Lord Chamberlain of the Household between 1868 and 1874 in William Ewart Gladstone's first administration. In 1874 he was created Earl Sydney, of Scadbury in the County of Kent. He later served under Gladstone as Lord Steward of the Household between 1880 and 1885 and between February and July 1886. However, despite Lord Sydney's ministerial career lasting over 30 years he was never a member of the cabinet.
