British Prime Minister Robert Peel has announced his intention to
repeal the Corn Laws, but his Conservative Party is not in favour
of free trade. He resigns, leaving Russell to attempt to form a
government, but returns on 20th December when Russell finds himself
unable to do so.
Citation:
Editors. "Robert Peel resigns".
The Literary Encyclopedia. First published 30 December 2011
[http://www.litencyc.com/php/stopics.php?rec=true&UID=18090, accessed 18 June 2013.]