Wellington succeeds Goderich as Prime Minister

Background. Viscount Goderich served as Prime Minister from 1827 to 1828, succeeding George Canning. His government was an abortive attempt at a Canningite-Whig coalition. By January 1828, the King concluded that this coalition could not continue. Consequently, a Tory ministry under Wellington was deemed preferable, leading to Goderich's resignation and Wellington's accession.

Transition to Power. Wellington had been out of government under Canning and Goderich. He became an increasingly influential member of the Tory party alongside Robert Peel. In January 1828, Wellington resigned as Commander-in-Chief of the British Army to become Prime Minister. This transition marked the end of the coalition government and the start of the Wellington-Peel ministry.

Formation of Ministry. The new Conservative government began in 1828, led by Wellington in the House of Lords and Robert Peel in the House of Commons. It included several men from the previous administration. However, four key figures, including Lords Dudley and Palmerston, resigned in May 1828, reshaping the ministry's composition.