He was elected MP for Plymouth from 1796 to 1806, when he was defeated, bringing an unsuccessful petition against his antagonist, Sir C. M. Pole, Bart. He also represented Westbury for some time. In July 1807 he was elected M.P. for Rye, but resigned his seat in July 1808. He was lieutenant-colonel of the South Devon Militia, and in that capacity accompanied his regiment to Ireland during the Irish rebellion, 1798–9. On 29 November 1800 he was created a baronet, of Bickham in the County of Devon.