Augustus Keppel shows the cost of political faction

Keppel's 87-day term as Senior Naval Lord offered little opportunity to match Russell's or Byng's accumulated administrative influence. His later periods as First Lord were also interrupted by political commitments. He resigned in 1783 because he opposed the Peace of Paris that ended the American war, then returned with the North-Fox coalition and lost office when that ministry fell. His dispute with Palliser after the Battle of Ushant had already drawn naval command into party conflict. Keppel believed Palliser had disobeyed orders for political reasons, although poor command ability provides an alternative explanation for Palliser's conduct. Public praise of Palliser concealed Keppel's private anger. The criticism of Keppel's leadership is that he struggled to work effectively with people whose political loyalties differed from his own.