Edward George Geoffrey Smith Stanley, 14th Earl of Derby

Edward George Geoffrey Smith Stanley was born on 29 March 1799 at Knowsley Park, Lancashire, the eldest son of Edward Smith Stanley, thirteenth earl of Derby. He was educated at Eton College and Christ College, Oxford. His parliamentary career began in 1820 when he became Whig Member of Parliament for Stockbridge, entering government as under-secretary of the colonies in 1827.

Between 1830 and 1833, he served as chief secretary for Ireland, introducing the Irish Education Act in 1831 which created the Irish board of national education. In 1833, he accepted the post of colonial secretary, securing the abolition of slavery but resigning over the government's policy in Ireland in 1834.

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