Until he was raised to the peerage (1761), he represented one of the House of Commons constituencies controlled by his family and selected members for two or three others. After serving capably as envoy extraordinary to Spain (1715–17), he held a succession of government sinecures. In 1744 he was appointed treasurer of the navy, but he wavered in his support of George II, periodically opting instead to back the Prince of Wales. His political philosophy was summarized in his couplet: “Strive thy little bark to steer / With the tide, but near the shore.” His most creditable action was a speech (Feb. 22, 1757) against the impending execution of Admiral John Byng on a questionable charge of neglect of duty in battle. He died without legitimate issue, and his peerage became extinct.