July 1847
General election

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The Whigs are re-elected as the largest party, but do not have an overall majority. Lord John Russell remains prime minister and Viscount Palmerston becomes foreign secretary. The Whigs govern with the support of the Liberals (less aristocratic than the Whigs and more likely to draw wealth from industry), the Radicals (pro-reform) and Irish politicians. The lines between political parties are flexible. The Peelite Conservatives support most of Russell's measures and keep the minority government in power. Lord George Bentinck has taken over as leader of the Conservative Party and Benjamin Disraeli is becoming increasingly prominent within it.

Palmerston's tenure at the Foreign Office will see Britain involved in a number of international incidents, as he believes in intervention to support Britain's commercial interests and maintain its influence.

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