A political broadside on a speech by William Heathcote dated 1832

[Broadside] HEATHCOTE, William. A Report of Mr. Heathcote’s Speech on his Nomination, as one of the Candidates for the Borough of Stoke-upon-Trent, December 10, 1832.
 
Published at the Request of the Committee. Hanley: Allbut, Printer, [1832].
 
Single folio broadside (340 × 220 mm), printed in two columns, old folds with a few closed tears and minor edge toning, small ink annotation on verso dated 1832: overall very good condition.
 
A rare election broadside, recording the speech of William Heathcote — one of the early Reform candidates for Stoke-upon-Trent, addressing “the Electors of the Borough” only days before the general election of December 1832. Heathcote, a Whig reformer, invokes “the glorious triumph of Reform,” rebukes Tory obstruction, and appeals to the newly enfranchised middle-class electorate, reflecting the optimism and tension of Britain’s first modern democratic contest. He discusses the rights of voters, the moral duties of representation, and the necessity of religious tolerance, declaring himself a “friend to the extension of the franchise” and to the political independence of the borough.
 
Printed in Hanley for distribution among supporters, on the eve of the first general election under the Great Reform Act. Surviving examples are uncommon.