John Cartaret

John Cartaret was a Whig politician and member of the House of Lords in Great Britain.

History

John was the eldest son of Robert Cartaret, baron of Cartaret and Grace Cartaret, countess of Granville. His father died when he was young, leaving John to inherit the baronet. He also entered the House of Lords upon coming of age.

Cartaret served as Stanhope's ambassador to Sweden. This was in the context of the Great Northern War.

He returned to England and emerged as a rival to Walpole, and was excluded from government.

When the War of Austrian Succession erupted, Cartaret became a leading advocate for intervention on the side of Maria Theresa. For this he gained the favor of George II, and was appointed secretary of state in 1742.

After his mother died in 1744, Cartaret succeeded as earl of Granville.

He was forced out of government by the politicking of Pelham in 1745. The next year, Pelham triggered a government crisis by leading a mass resignation. George II turned to Cartaret and Pulteney to form a government. This short-lived ministry fell apart within days, Pelham was recalled, and the king was forced to accept the appointed government as his exclusive advisors.

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