He disliked public speaking and made few contributions to House of Commons debates: one historian remarks that he was noted for delighting in a good dinner and for silence in debate. A moderate reformer in politics, he had naturally supported Catholic Emancipation (he had been accused, rather improbably, of negotiating on the subject with the Vatican while still in his early twenties), but he firmly opposed repeal of the Act of Union 1800.
He disliked public speaking and rarely participated in House of Commons debates; one historian described him as someone who preferred to enjoy a good meal and remain silent during discussions. A moderate reformer, he supported Catholic Emancipation but vehemently opposed repealing the Act of Union 1800.