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.

Reduced representation

Disenfranchised and rotten Boroughs

The following electoral Boroughs were completely disenfranchised by this Act (lost all independent legislative representation, instead voting as part of their counties):

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Halved franchises

The following Boroughs were reduced from 2 MPs to 1:

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Weymouth and Melcombe Regis in Dorset had jointly elected 4 MPs; this was reduced to 2.

Related Topics:
Weymouth - Melcombe Regis - Dorset

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