ABSTRACT

The increased influence of Nonconformist and more radical Liberals following the separation of the Whig element marked the end of an alliance of convenience which had lasted since the beginning of the nineteenth century. The Conservatives kept tight party discipline even with such a large majority. It is hard to assess the contribution of Arthur Forwood to the success of Liverpool Conservatism. The reasons for Labour’s slow growth in Liverpool in the twentieth century may be primarily due to religious rivalries, but Forwood’s lead to Liverpool Conservatism was surely also of significance. In 1888 the significant steps being taken in the direction of modem Labour Party were being taken outside Liverpool by Liberals. The Liverpool Review had feared that ‘the misplaced energy of a few prominent Liberals’ in opposition to the boundary bill might have damaged the party.