ABSTRACT
The Liberals were slightly more successful in North Toxteth two months later in May when, at a by-election caused by the death of William Leyland, the Liberal share went up almost 3 per cent to 45 per cent. The Conservative position looked bleak after the November elections because the Liberals needed only to retain their current strength to elect eight aldermen of their own persuasion in 1880. The Conservatives naturally made the most of the Liberal discomfort, warned of the ‘Empire in danger’ and raised the cry ‘No Popery’. The Liberals in Liverpool faced a further setback losing the three re-elections resulting from petitions, and two contests from aldermanic elections. The misfortunes of Liverpool Liberals and the hegemony of the Conservatives was in direct contrast to the national position. The Liverpool Conservatives were clearly very conscious of their unique position amongst English boroughs.
