... have their way in the boroughs so long as he had his to some extent in the counties." Disraeli also hoped that the partly enfranchised working class would vote for him because he was seen as the hero that extended them the ability to vote in general elections. This was a calculated risk that was in his nature. In addition, by humiliating Gladstone, the Whigs would lose faith in him, and with the party in government weak, it provided Disraeli with the opportunity to be Prime Minister. Although, to do so he had to be party leader, and this position would be more of less guaranteed by piloting through his own Reform Bill, when Lord Derby retired. It can also be argued that Disraeli's actions in passing the Reform Act can be explained in wanting to get, as he saw it, an improved Reform Bill passed. Disraeli saw Gladstone's Reform Bill as not ...

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