'We hear the D-ss of D grants favours to those who promise their votes an interest to Mr Fox'
The Morning Post, 31st March 1784.
Monday, 24 October 2011
Duchess of Devonshire: Kisses for Votes
Georgiana Duchess of Devonshire caused a political scandal in 1784 when canvassing for the leader of the 'Whig' party, Charles James Fox. Georgiana was an ancestor of Diana, the Princess of Wales and was just as popular in her own day. The notorious incident allegedly took place in late March whereby the Duchess exchanged a kiss for a vote, among whom was a butcher - a mere commoner. The incident was predictably exploited in the press, encouraged by supporters of William Pitt who sought to sully her reputation by constantly referring her favours as a form of prostitution.
