Whigs

In the late 17th century the term Whig was used to describe those opposed to the religious policies of Charles II. Later the Whigs supported the establishment of the Hanoverian settlement. By the 19th century their rivals in Parliament, the Tories, were the supporters of the established church and the traditional political structure. The Whigs, in contrast to the Tories, favored reform. The aristocratic connotations surrounding the name caused some politicians to refer to themselves as Liberals, a term used by reforming politicians in Europe. However, the term Liberal was not used officially until 1868 when William Gladstone became Prime Minister.