Complex sentence: In the early days of political representation, the majority did not necessarily carry the day and there was very little need for contested elections but by the beginning of the 15th century, a seat in Parliament was something to be cherished.
Split into simpler sentences: In the early days of political representation, the majority did not necessarily carry the day and there was very little need for contested elections. But by the beginning of the 15th century, a seat in Parliament was something to be cherished.