Key Concepts- Liberal Tories

In 1822 the foreign secretary, Castlereagh, committed suicide. This paved the way for 'Liberal Tories' to enter into Lord Liverpool's government. This group was made up of four men: Robert Peel, George Canning, William Huskisson, and F.J Robinson. Below is some information about each member, including significant reforms made by each.  

Peel 

• Home secretary
• Famous for establishing the Met Police (known colloquially as 'Peelers' at the time after him) 
• His manifesto outlined a new concept of conservatism which accepted the principle of reforms 
• This helped with free trade and the financial issues Britain was faced with 
• In 1846 he split his party over the controversy of him wanting to repeal the Corn Laws

Canning 

• Foreign Secretary from 1807-09
• This ended after arguing with the Secretary of War and duelling with him
• Returned to his position in 1822
• Was PM for 5 months in 1827 - the shortest term in history 
• During his term, he attempted to form a coalition government with the Whigs- this failed 

Huskisson 

• President of the Board of Trade
• Introduced the minimum wage 
• Introduced a new sinking fund scheme
• Reformed the Navigation Act- added shipping duties
• Died after being run over by a train

Robinson 

• PM from 1827-28
• Strongly opposed slavery during his career
• His term was 3 days longer than Canning (second shortest in history)
• Resigned from role due to rising tensions from his unstable coalition government