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.
When Morpeth's name was put forward for nomination, he had already begun showing signs of pulmonary disease. This condition enabled supporters of the Walpole government and opposition Whigs to get ready for the upcoming by-election that would occur after his passing.