Peelite: Meaning (information, definition, explanation, facts)

The Peelites were staunch supporters of Sir Robert Peel (British Prime Minister from December 1834 to April 1835, and again from June 1841 to June 29, 1846) which he retained. After his death his Peelite followers, led by Lord Aberdeen and William Gladstone, went on to fuse with the Whigs as the Liberal Party.

The Peelites were characterised by commitment to Free Trade and a managerial, almost technocratic, approach to government. While they sought to maintain the principles of conservatism, Peelites were brought into conflict with the Tory landed interest on issues of trade.

When the Peelites split from the Conservatives following the Repeal of the Corn Laws, their number included virtually all of the most able Cabinet ministers, amny of whom served in later Liberal governments.