By the time of his nomination, Morpeth was already suffering from symptoms of "consumption". His illness gave supporters of the Walpole Ministry and Opposition Whigs time to prepare for the by-election that would occur upon his death.
By the time of his nomination, Morpeth was already experiencing symptoms of tuberculosis. His illness allowed supporters of the Walpole Ministry and Opposition Whigs to prepare for the by-election that would take place upon his death.