Voting Station

Frederick, Lord North

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World Leader

The Resume

    (April 13, 1732-August 5, 1792)
    Born in London, United Kingdom
    2nd Earl of Guilford
    Member of Parliament for Banbury (1754-90)
    Chancellor of the Exchequer (1767-82)
    Prime Minister (1770-82)

Why he might be annoying:

    He so strongly resembled King George III that there were rumors he was the illegitimate son of Frederick, Prince of Wales (and thus George's half-brother).
    He admitted to the King that he lacked 'the authority of character' that a prime minister needed.
    He was indecisive and a chronic procrastinator.
    His policies to the American colonies vacillated between ineffectual punishments and half-hearted concessions until open rebellion broke out.
    He became the first prime minister forced out of office after losing a vote of 'no confidence.'

Why he might not be annoying:

    He was known for his wit and amiability, with Sir Nathaniel Wraxall writing 'It was impossible to experience dullness in his society.'
    He was a good debater in Parliament.
    He was reluctant to become prime minister and took the office only at King George's insistence.
    He eventually left Parliament after going blind.

Credit: C. Fishel


Featured in the following Annoying Collections:

Year In Review:

    In 2023, Out of 7 Votes: 42.86% Annoying
    In 2022, Out of 4 Votes: 25.00% Annoying
    In 2021, Out of 10 Votes: 70.0% Annoying
    In 2020, Out of 3 Votes: 66.67% Annoying
    In 2019, Out of 8 Votes: 50.0% Annoying
    In 2018, Out of 1 Votes: 100% Annoying
    In 2017, Out of 9 Votes: 55.56% Annoying
    In 2016, Out of 2 Votes: 100% Annoying
    In 2015, Out of 4 Votes: 75.00% Annoying
    In 2014, Out of 18 Votes: 50.0% Annoying