Henry Pelham
Henry Pelham was a Whig politician and member of the House of Commons in Great Britain.
Contents
History
Henry was a younger son of Thomas Pelham. His parent's titles went to his elder brother, Thomas.
The brothers rose to prominence in London's Whig circles.
Pelham was appointed to government in 1724 as paymaster general.
Following Walpole's resignation in 1742, leadership nominally fell to Compton, but Pelham was the de facto power. Compton also died the next year, leaving him as the clear leader.
He significantly consolidated power into Parliament and away from George II. This was best demonstrated in the government crisis of 1746. He led a mass resignation, forcing George to lean on Pulteney for forming a government. This Short-lived ministry fell apart in days, Pelham was recalled, and the king was forced to accept Pelham's chosen government as his exclusive advisors.
Pelham died in 1754, leaving his brother to succeed the government leadership.