In the debate on the king’s speech, Lord Morpeth (1802–1864) proposed an amendment that basically endorsed the commitments of the previous administration, with respect to reform, slavery, municipal reform, the removal of the sources of grievance for Protestant dissenters, and correcting the abuses of the Church in England and Ireland. He expressed regret that these proposals had been interrupted ‘by the unnecessary dissolution of a parliament earnestly intent upon the vigorous prosecution of measures to which the wishes of the people were most anxiously and justly directed.’ The amendment was supported by a majority of seven, thus essentially defeating the government.

See Hansard Third Series, vol. 26, 19 February to 19 March, cols. 165-173 and 410 and The Times, 27 February 1835.