Butler came up to Pembroke from Marlborough and gained a first class in the modern and medieval languages tripos (1923). In his fourth year Butler gained a first in history (1925) and a fellowship at Corpus Christi College, Cambridge. He decided upon a career in politics and was elected to the Saffron Waldon constituency in Essex, which he held until his retirement in 1965. He held numerous ministerial positions, becoming chancellor of the exchequer in October 1951. In 1965 he became Master of Trinity College, Cambridge, the first non-Trinity educated Master in the College's history. He died in 1982.