John Arthur Roebuck (28 December 1802 – 30 November 1879), British politician, was born at Madras, in India.
After the death of his father, a civil servant, his mother's second marriage transferred him to Canada, where he was chiefly brought-up. He came to England in 1824, was called to the bar (Q.C. 1843), became intimate with the leading radical and utilitarian reformers, was elected Liberal Member of Parliament (MP) for Bath in 1832, and took up that general attitude of hostility to the government of the day, be it what it might, which he retained throughout his life.
At all times conspicuous for his eloquence, honesty and recalcitrancy, he twice came with especial prominence before the public—in 1838, when, although at the time without a seat in parliament, he appeared at the bar of the Commons to protest, in the name of the Canadian Assembly, against the suspension of the Canadian constitution; and in 1855, when, having overthrown Lord Aberdeen's ministry by carrying a resolution for the appointment of a committee of inquiry into the mismanagement in the Crimean War, he presided over its proceedings.
In his latter years his political opinions became greatly modified, but with one interruption he retained his seat for Sheffield, which he had won in 1849, until his death in London.
Parliament of the United Kingdom | ||
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Preceded by John Thynne Charles Palmer |
Member of Parliament for Bath 1832–1837 With: Charles Palmer |
Succeeded by The Viscount Powerscourt William Bruges |
Preceded by The Viscount Powerscourt William Bruges |
Member of Parliament for Bath 1841–1847 With: Viscount Duncan |
Succeeded by Lord Ashley Viscount Duncan |
Preceded by Henry George Ward John Parker |
Member of Parliament for Sheffield 1849–1868 With: John Parker to 1852 George Hadfield from 1852 |
Succeeded by A. J. Mundella George Hadfield |
Preceded by George Hadfield A. J. Mundella |
Member of Parliament for Sheffield 1874–1879 With: A. J. Mundella |
Succeeded by Samuel Danks Waddy A. J. Mundella |