In 1808, Bayning was elected to the House of Commons for Truro, a seat he held until 1810, when he succeeded his father in the barony and entered the House of Lords. In 1821, he assumed by Royal Licence the surname of Powlett in lieu of Townshend.
In 1808, Bayning was chosen to represent Truro in the House of Commons; he held that seat until 1810 when he succeeded his father in the barony and entered the House of Lords. In 1821, he took the surname Powlett instead of Townshend by royal license.