Pelham, Henry

English Whig politician. He held a succession of offices in Robert Walpole's cabinet 1721–42, and was prime minister 1743–54. His influence in the House of Commons was based on systematic corruption rather than ability. He concluded the War of the Austrian Succession and was an able financier.

Prime minister
Having held a number of posts in the Treasury, Pelham was appointed secretary for war in 1724, and in 1743 First Lord of the Treasury and chancellor of the Exchequer, despite the opposition of Walpole's successor John Carteret (1690–1763). Pelham's period in office was one of general pacification. Opposition (including that of King George II) was overcome, an alliance was forged with the Dutch in 1744, and then peace concluded with the French in the treaty of Aix-la-Chapelle in 1748. This having been established, Pelham devoted himself wholeheartedly to the reduction of national expenditure and the reorganization of the finances.