How did Wellington become prime minister of Great Britain in 1828?

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Arthur Wellesley, 1st duke of Wellington Arthur Wellesley, 1st duke of Wellington, oil on canvas by Sir Thomas Lawrence.

Arthur Wellesley, the 1st Duke of Wellington, became prime minister of Great Britain in 1828 following the collapse of the government led by his predecessor, Viscount Goderich.1

Wellington had previously resigned from the cabinet in 1827 when George Canning became prime minister, an action he took because he felt the Protestant Ascendancy was in jeopardy under Canning’s leadership. Following Canning's death in August 1827, Wellington resumed his command of the army. When Goderich’s administration failed just five months later, King George IV summoned the Duke of Wellington to form a new government on January 9, 1828.1