Lord John Russell Whig Lord John Russell Whig The 1847 United Kingdom general election was conducted between 29 July 1847 and 26 August 1847 and resulted in the Whigs in control of government despite candidates calling themselves Conservatives winning the most seats.

The Conservatives were divided between Protectionists, led by Lord Stanley, and a minority of free-trade Tories, known also as Liberal Conservatives or the Peelites for their leader, former prime minister Sir Robert Peel.

This left the Whigs, led by Prime Minister Lord John Russell, in a position to continue in government.

Members being sworn in were however required to swear the Christian Oath of Allegiance, meaning Rothschild was unable actually to take his seat until the passage of the Jews Relief Act in 1858.

This accounts there being two fewer seats in the House of Commons as compared to the previous election, though no redistribution took place.