A Radical, representing Pottery Hamlets in Parliament. He was successively President of the Board of Trade, Chancellor of the Exchequer and Prime Minister. Phineas Finn considered himself Mr. Monk’s disciple, and resigned his office in order to vote with him on tenant right. .

"...of all the members of the Cabinet was the most advanced Liberal ... a thin, tall, gaunt man, who had devoted his whole life to politics hitherto without any personal reward beyond that which came to him from the reputation of his name, and from the honour of a seat in Parliament" - Phineas Finn