The prominent Victorian-era political leader known for his social reforms and leadership was William Ewart Gladstone. Serving as British Prime Minister four times, Gladstone was a champion of various reforms, including education, Irish Home Rule, and social welfare initiatives. His advocacy for free trade and budget transparency transformed the British political landscape, while his commitment to expanding suffrage and representing the working class aligned with the growing social movements of his time, establishing him as a significant figure in Victorian politics.