Causes of the Third Reform Act 1884 (Extension of Franchise) and the Redistribution Act 1885

There was still an imbalance between the county and borough franchise, and a disproportionate distribution of Parliamentary seats e.g. the south-west had 45 constituencies for 76,612 electors and the North-east had 32 for 232,431. In 1877 the Liberals committed themselves to extend the suffrage to rural householders and so eliminate the difference between county and borough franchises. The House of Lords threatened to reject this bill unless it was accompanied by a redistribution act, otherwise the Liberals would gain 50 seats through this act and would cause a constitutional crisis. Gladstone wanted to pass the act as he would gain more support from the working classes and he wanted to round out his term in office on a creditable reforming note. He also wanted to compensate for Egypt (?) and the increase in Irish representation would also strengthen Gladstones position The Liberals were now having to compete with the Social Democratic Federation for the working mans vote and by passing this act they would get more support from the working classes. By increasing the franchise they would feel indebted to the Liberals for having given them the vote. On the other hand, Salisbury saw no reason to oppose reform. The Conservatives may even pick up some county votes through the act. They were also benefitting from the growing support in the middle class which was probably a reaction to the extension of the franchise in the working class. Salisburys attitude was that the Conservatives should stand a fighting chance if there was a redistribution of seats as well as the franchise act. The influence of public opinion. The danger of public upheaval was stressed by party leaders to strengthen their own political positions. Chamberlain wanted to extend the vote in the counties as it had been extended in 1867 as the landed classes were still protected by the unequal franchise.

Gemma Goldsack Lee S. J. Aspects of British Political History Routledge http://cgshistory.weebly.com/uploads/1/6/9/9/16994998/third_reform_act1884.pdf