The Many and the Few

The path to democracy is a long one. It should not be taken for granted.

This month marks the 150th anniversary of the passing of the Second Reform Act, enabled by that most beguiling of political chancers, Benjamin Disraeli. It granted the vote to all householders in boroughs, as well as lodgers who paid at least £10 per annum, and extended the franchise to even modest agricultural landowners and tenants.

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