... support immediately hitting them in regards to the way they dealt with the Agricultural Depression of 1830, which resulted in the Swing Riot and harsh legislation in punishing the offenders. All of this cost the Whigs a lot of support. Furthermore, under Lord Melbourne the Whigs lost something which initially, when utilised had proved a success for them, and this was their avidity for reform. With the 1932 Reform Act, they had won over many people as a result of nationwide confrontation with the Tories and the House of Lords. However, this was under Earl Grey - his successor, Lord Melbourne relaxed the reformation programme. Also, during their last few years as the ruling government, the Whigs lost opportunities to improve social conditions in towns and working conditions in factories. There was also the fact that they did not resolve the issue of Free Trade until 1941. On the basis ...

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