John Wilkes, an influential figure in 18th century British politics and journalism, was expelled from the House of Commons due to actions resulting from his vocal opposition to government policies. Wilkes, a member of Parliament, had gained notoriety through his radical political views and the publication of 'The North Briton,' which critiqued the government's actions and addressed various injustices. The tipping point came with the publication of the issue number 45, which openly criticized the British monarchy and incited public sentiment against the government. In response, Parliament deemed Wilkes's writings a form of seditious libel.

The House of Commons ultimately took the significant step of expelling Wilkes from his parliamentary seat, citing a breach of propriety and order. This act was controversial, as it highlighted the extent to which the government would go to suppress dissent. Wilkes’s expulsion did not occur in isolation; it was emblematic of a growing confrontation between the state and those advocating for civil liberties and freedom of speech. It underscored the tension between established authority and those challenging it during a period marked by escalating political discourse.

Wilkes's expulsion was met with vigorous protests and support from the public, demonstrating a clear demand for reform and accountability in governance. His case attracted significant public sympathy and ignited debates surrounding the limits of parliamentary privilege and individual rights. The incident fostered a culture where the defense of free speech took center stage, leading to an enduring legacy of activism and the eventual acknowledgment of civil liberties in Britain.