In 1923, around this time, the leader of the Conservative Party and prime minister Bonar Law retired due to ill health. Baldwin's father, Stanley, already Chancellor of the Exchequer, became prime minister in Law's place. The younger Baldwin by now considered himself a committed socialist, and shortly after his father's elevation, he publicly declared his political beliefs, and broke off contact with his parents, much to their distress. Shortly afterwards, the breach between parents and son was patched up. Baldwin Snr, though perhaps not Mrs Baldwin, probably recognised Baldwin and Boyle were a couple. Unusually for the period, both parents accepted Boyle's place in Baldwin's life. The elder Baldwin's letters to Boyle are addressed to "My Dear Johnny", a mark of favour, Father and son remained on the warmest personal terms, assisted by agreement to avoid political discussions, and in politics Baldwin refrained from personally attacking his father.