 Most of the pocket boroughs abolished by the Reform Act belonged to the Tory Party . These losses were somewhat offset by the extension of the vote to tenants @-@ at @-@ will paying an annual rent of £ 50 . This clause , proposed by the Tory Marquess of Chandos , was adopted in the House of Commons despite opposition from the Government . The tenants @-@ at @-@ will thereby enfranchised typically voted as instructed by their landlords , who in turn normally supported the Tory party . This concession , together with the Whig Party 's internal divisions and the difficulties faced by the nation 's economy , allowed the Tories under Sir Robert Peel to make gains in the elections of 1835 and 1837 , and to retake the House of Commons in 1841 . 
