Following repeal, the Protectionists combined with the Whigs to overthrow Peel's government. Cow protectionists opposed the slaughter of cattle and provided sanctuaries for cows. The more liberal Protectionists defected to Labour. This 1908 Act represented the triumph in Parliament of the protectionists over the free traders. The more liberal Protectionists joined Labour. The more liberal Protectionists opposed a merger. These measures are not sufficient for data protectionists. Deakin felt that the power of the Protectionists would be diminished by Labor's party discipline. Alfred Deakin took over from Barton as Prime Minister and leader of the Protectionists. The protectionists had a core of leaders, of whom Disraeli was a leading light. Arthur signed the bill into law and appointed mostly protectionists to the committee. Some Protectionists continued their exodus to Labor and the ASP. While the Protectionists came first on votes and seats, they fell short of a majority. The Protectionists won most of the seats in their stronghold, Victoria.