The Great reform Act (election law) of 1832 was one of the most significant internal political events in the United Kingdom of the 19th century. It initiated the group of serious transformations of the parliamentary system of the State. The article is based on the analysis of documentary sources (press and parliamentary debate). It shows the influence of British public opinion and the press on the process of the adoption of the parliamentary reform in 1830–1832. The struggle for reform showed the extreme polarization of political forces in the UK. The Tory party has proven itself to be a serious opponent to any change. The Tories argued that the proposed changes will destroy the political system of the country. The Whigs and the radicals strongly supported the reform, arguing that it would weaken the social conflict in British society. Special attention is given to clarifying the role of the political press and the mass democratic movement in adopting reforms.