ABSTRACT
By the end of 1834 William Ewart Gladstone had reached a degree of prominence in the House of Commons, and was noted as a staunch opponent of reform. Of all the politicians who were to have an impact on Gladstone, there is no doubt that it was Sir Robert Peel who had the greatest political influence. As leader of the rump of the Tory party in the House of Commons, Peel was an obvious target for Gladstone’s admiration. While he was pleased with any encouraging comments from his chief, he was not expecting it when Peel asked him to come to London. Peel evidently believed this would introduce Gladstone to some of the higher duties of government which he would be able to put to use later in his career. The fall of Peel’s ministry represented the end of the old Peelite Conservative Party.
