Reform Act 1832

The British Reform Act of 1832 (2 & 3 Will. 4, c.45; also referred to as as the Great Reform Act) introduced the first changes to electoral franchise legislation in almost one hundred and fifty years. It met strong opposition from the Tories, who had defeated earlier bills, and it required pressure on William IV and the resignation of Earl Grey's Whig government to pass. During the third reading in the Commons, the motion was carried with a government majority of one vote.

New enfranchisements

The following Boroughs were enfranchised:

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Boroughs given 1 MP

Boroughs given 2 MPs

Other changes

The Isle of Wight, having had its three small boroughs disenfranchised, was given its first single MP for the whole area.

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Yorkshire, which had 4 MPs, was given 2 MPs for each of the 3 Ridings, East, North and West Riding.

Related Topics:
Yorkshire - Riding - East - North - West Riding

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Berkshire, Buckinghamshire, Cambridgeshire, Dorset, Herefordshire and Hertfordshire were now to have 3 MPs instead of 2.

Related Topics:
Berkshire - Buckinghamshire - Cambridgeshire - Dorset - Herefordshire - Hertfordshire

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