... social conditions in towns and working conditions in factories. They had no resolved the issue of Free Trade until 1841. This evidence shows that the Whigs were simply not willing to reform anymore. Their new attitude was not popular with the British population and was proven lethal as they lost the elections in 1841. Their "reactionary" principles did contribute to their decline. Another serious problem facing the Whigs government before their defeat was the volatility of their support, both within the parliament and the electorate at large. The agricultural depression of 1830-1, which resulted in the Swing Riots and severe legislation to punish offenders, lost the Whigs a lot of support. They transported the Tolpuddle Martyrs, who had dared to start a Trade Union, to Australia, which lost them sympathy, especially from the working classes. Parliamentary majority of Melbourne's government was extremely slender and were accused of being under the ...

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