... head of house of Lords) pass the reform act in return for the Redistribution of Seats Act. Salisbury knew that the reform act was inevitable, so he used his political skills to negotiate the redistribution of seats act in return for the reform act. This ultimately benefited the conservatives as they won the next election; however, it was a mixture of Gladstone's weakness to deal with his opposition, as apposed to just Salisbury's leadership skills. His skills were also evident and beneficial in the Redistribution of Seats bill as it weakened the Whig element of the Liberals, and seeing as the Whigs joined the Conservatives when the Liberals split, strengthened the Conservatives. Another aspect of this redistribution act which showed Salisbury's strengths and leadership qualities was how it would mean the Conservatives would gain the support of the Middle Class. This shows Liberals weakness and the Conservatives strengths leading to ...

See this essay or coursework document in full right now