Since 1780 the corporation nominee, Edward Coke of Longford, had joined interests with the 5th Duke of Devonshire, whose nomination to one seat at least was long established and who returned his brother. Both Members were Foxite Whigs, but neither voted for parliamentary reform in 1793, despite a petition from Derby in its favour (6 May). At the election of 1796 a local physician of means, Peter Crompton, standing as a reformer, made no impact against them, though he was said to have great influence on the corporation.1 Coke substituted his brother for himself for part of the Parliament of 1806 when the latter was unseated for Norfolk, and his son in 1818. The 5th and 6th Dukes of Devonshire continued until 1820 to return members of their family. It was not until then that opposition was again contemplated: James Abercromby* informed the 6th Duke, ‘the True Blue Club is preparing to oppose you and the corporation’.2