He was also involved in politics and was appointed High Sheriff of Essex for 1758 before being elected to the House of Commons for Sudbury in 1761, an expensive contest which needed £5,500 to get him elected to the Commons.to spend £5,500 from the Duke of Newcastle's funds. He held that seat until 1768, and then represented Dover from 1774 to 1784.
In addition to his other pursuits, he was also involved in politics and served as High Sheriff of Essex in 1758 before being elected to Parliament for Sudbury in 1761, a challenging election that necessitated £5,500 from the Duke of Newcastle's resources. He retained the Sudbury seat until 1768, and then represented Dover from 1774 to 1784.