In
the late17th 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,
favoured 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.
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