George Canning

The Right Honourable George Canning (11 April 1770-8 August 1827) was a British politician who served as Foreign Secretary and, briefly, Prime Minister.

Political Style

Canning rose quickly in British politics, mainly because of his effectiveness as an orator and writer. His speeches in Parliament and his essays gave the Pittites a rhetorical power they had previously lacked. Canning's skills gave him leverage within the Pittite faction that allowed him to influence its policies and to get himself promoted within the Cabinet.

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Over time, Canning became a prominent public speaker as well as a parliamentary speaker, and was one of the first politicians to campaign heavily in the country.

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As a result of his charisma and promise, Canning early on drew around himself a circle of supporters, later known as the Canningites. However, Canning was also an arrogant and divisive man who alienated many actual and potential supporters.

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