He vacated the office in September 1841 on the accession of the Tories under Peel to power. On the death of his father in July 1843 he succeeded to the family estates, and sat in parliament for Kirkcudbrightshire from 1845 to 1850.
He relinquished his office in September 1841 upon the ascension of the Tories under Peel to power. Upon the demise of his father in July 1843, he inherited the family estates and served as a member of parliament for Kirkcudbrightshire from 1845 to 1850.