He played a dominant role in the reconstruction of the Tory Party after Sir Robert Peel, guiding it away from protectionism and generating enthusiasm for the British Empire. He was largely responsible for the introduction of the second Reform Act (1867), which doubled the electorate. In his second term as Prime Minister he ensured that Britain bought a controlling interest in the Suez Canal (1875) and also made Queen Victoria Empress of India. At home his government passed much useful social legislation, including measures to improve public health and working conditions in factories. He wrote a number of novels, including Coningsby (1844) and Sybil (1845), which drew on his experience of political life.