1-150-494 - The Cartoon Collector/Heritage-Images

The Return from Victory, 1867. Disraeli, wearing a suit of armour, with his supporters in the shape of John Bright and the Standard, returns to a hero's welcome from Lord Derby. On 15th July 1867, Disraeli's Reform Bill received its third reading in the House. There was again opposition from the usual quarters, including the Liberal MP, Mr Robert Lowe, who had been instrumental in bringing down his own party on this issue. Gladstone did not speak in this debate, but he had nonetheless been active in transforming the original plans put forward by the Conservatives. The Reform Act gave household suffrage to boroughs, brought the county franchise down to £12, gave votes to lodgers and broadened the scope of the planned redistribution of seats. After a painting by PH Calderon. From Punch, or the London Charivari, July 27, 1867.