Constituency : Glasgow 1857-74
Robert was Glasgow's second MP in 1859 and his sitting with Walter Buchanan looks like one of those Whig-Radical tickets common in this period.
Robert was the head of a calico firm and proud to declare himself a Radical. He was not a great supporter of Palmerston saying in 1858 he would only support him as Prime Minister again with "certain pledges and measures" guaranteed. He was an enthusiastic backer of parliamentary reform ( although The Times noted the moderation of his speeches in 1860 ) and the secret ballot. He was keen to secure redistribution and for that reason Disraeli was able to win his support for the Second Reform Act. He was a big admirer of Wellington and largely responsible for the statue of the duke in Glasgow. He was known as a great host at his home in Bearsden.
According to Vanity Fair, in 1873 Robert was one of the most popular MP's in Parliament.
He died in 1880.
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