Wharton soon brought down a royal message authorising the Commons to elect another Speaker.
The Whig chiefs wished to place Littleton in the chair; but they were unable to accomplish their object.

Foley was chosen, presented and approved.

Though he had of late generally voted with the Tories, he still called himself a Whig, and was not unacceptable to many of the Whigs.

He had both the abilities and the knowledge which were necessary to enable him to preside over the debates with dignity; but what, in the peculiar circumstances in which the House then found itself placed, was not unnaturally considered as his principal recommendation, was that implacable hatred of jobbery and corruption which he somewhat ostentatiously professed, and doubtless sincerely felt.

On the day after he entered on his functions, his predecessor was expelled.