... was not a supporter of parliamentary reform because he believed it would subsequently change the constitution. In 1866 he made a passionate speech against universal suffrage claiming it would lead to "the rule of mobs in great towns". So if Disraeli was opposed to reform in 1865 and 1866, the years leading up to the bill in 1867 was he a supporter of them in 1867? G. Himmelfarb believes that Disraeli had a close association with the working classes and sought after their rights for democracy. Nevertheless this view is strongly criticised and Disraeli himself admittedly did not want England under a democracy. According to a speech made in 1867 introducing the conservative bill Disraeli vaguely talks of his party wanting change, "we wish that..." and "we are of the opinion..." never specifically expressing his desire for reform. He even goes as far as saying, "I trust it will never ...

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