Goderich, Frederick John Robinson, Viscount, afterwards 1st Earl of Ripon 1782-1859
English politician

He was born in London and educated at Harrow and Cambridge. He entered parliament as a Tory MP in 1806, becoming president of the Board of Trade (1918-23, 1841-43) and Chancellor of the Exchequer (1823-27). He was associated with financial reforms to reduce government debt and promote greater freedom of trade. His success led William Cobbett to name him 'Prosperity Robinson'. He was Secretary of State for War and the Colonies (1827) under George Canning, whom he succeeded as Prime Minister. His weak leadership was soon exposed and he resigned willingly before meeting parliament as Prime Minister (1827-28), the only premier to do so. Briefly changing parties, he served in Lord Grey's Whig governments as Secretary for War and the Colonies (1830-33) and Lord Privy Seal (1834-35). His last government office was under Sir Robert Peel as president of the Board of Control (1843-46) and he introduced the bill to repeal the Corn Laws (1846).