LESLIE, Hon. Thomas (c.1701-72), of Stenton, Fife.

The impecunious younger son of one of the leaders of the Squadrone, and the cousin of another, Lord Tweeddale, Leslie was returned in 1722 for Dysart Burghs by his father, as sheriff, but on a double return the seat was awarded by the Commons to his opponent.CJ, xx. 33, 48-49. Successful in 1734, he voted with the Opposition on the Spanish convention in 1739 and on the place bill in 1740. He did not stand in 1741 but was returned on his family’s interest for Perth Burghs at a by-election in 1743. Following Tweeddale, he voted with the Government on the Hanoverians in 1744 and 1746, when he was classed as a follower of Tweeddale’s friend, Granville. Serving against the rebels in the Forty-five, he was wounded and captured at Prestonpans.Whitefoord Pprs. 36, 66-67; HMC Laing, ii. 359.

By 1747 Leslie had transferred his allegiance to Pelham, who helped to secure his re-election for Perth.Patrick Haldane to Pelham, 11 July 1747, Newcastle (Clumber) mss. Later that year he applied to Newcastle for the post of barrack master:

I ... formerly gave you in a memorial of 30 years service in the army ... yet I am still a captain in a young regiment ... I am a Whig, and of a Whig family, ready to serve your Grace and therefore ought to be taken care of and this employment will make up in some measure my disappointments in the army.15 Oct. 1747, Add. 32713, f. 265.

He obtained the post but chronic financial troubles led to a stream of further appeals to Newcastle for assistance and finally to the loss of his seat.

He died 17 Mar. 1772.