What made Graham famous was his proposal to reduce the salaries of public officials in the Lower House, as well as his criticism of the high salaries of Privy Council ministers.
After Count Grey took office, Graham not only participated in drafting the Parliamentary Reform Act but also, as the Naval Minister, initiated several arduous reforms within the Royal Navy. These included appointments based on merit (not selecting Navy Department officials based on party affiliations), improving sailors' treatment and pension benefits, and ordering the abolition of various corporal punishments in the military.
The only regret was that he hit a snag with the Royal Navy's customary practice of conscription (forced enlistment).
Despite Graham's persistent efforts to abolish this ancient tradition, he ultimately failed.
However, it is regrettable that such a successful minister had to leave office due to differing opinions with the Whig Party on the Ireland issue.
