On This Day

05 July 1865

Richard Bethell, Baron Westbury resigns from Lord Palmerston’s government

Bethell who sat as Lord Chancellor in Palmerston’s Liberal government resigned amidst suspicions, never proven, that he manipulated various low-level appointments within the legal system. Westbury had previously served as Solicitor General and Attorney General. After his resignation he continued to take part in the judicial sittings of the House of Lords and the Privy Council until his death in 1873.