Hervey’s father and grandfather had both been Members of Parliament, and, in contrast to their colourful ancestors, pursued quiet and uncontroversial careers in public life.
In December 1864 Hervey was brought forward in the Conservative interest for Suffolk West in place of his elder brother, who had succeeded their father as third marquess of Bristol. Although his return was never in doubt, Hervey’s refusal to pledge his support for the complete abolition of the malt tax, calling only for its reduction, upset a portion of the West Suffolk Association for the Repeal or Reduction of the Malt Tax, some of whom called for another candidate to enter the field.
Hervey, who was susceptible to health problems owing to a weak heart, was an infrequent attender in his first Parliament, though at the 1865 general election, Biddell explained, a little unconvincingly, that Hervey preferred to remain in Suffolk, giving his constituents ‘every opportunity of asking him questions’.
Reflecting his experience of working in the diplomatic service, he questioned the under-secretary of state for foreign affairs as to the travel advice given by the Greek authorities to three English travellers who had subsequently been seized by brigands during their journey across the country, 23 Feb. 1866. He is not known to have made any further contributions to debate in his second Parliament, mirroring the generally silent Commons behaviour of his family members. He is also not known to have sat on any select committees.
In addition to opposing church rate abolition, 7 Mar. 1866, and supporting a reduction of malt duty, 17 Apr. 1866, Hervey’s voting record reflected his unease concerning an extension of the franchise. He was against the Liberal government’s reform bill, 27 Apr. 1866, and backed Stanley’s amendment to postpone the county franchise clause, 7 June 1866, and the Adullamite amendment in favour of a rating rather than rental clause, 18 June 1866. He followed Disraeli into the division lobby on the major clauses of the Derby ministry’s reform bill, save for his vote against the Lords’ amendment to the minority clause, when he was one of fourteen Conservatives who voted against the government, 8 Aug. 1867.
Hervey was returned in second place at the 1868 general election and re-elected without opposition in 1874. He died, in harness, at the family’s town residence, 6 St. James’s Square, in May 1875. The cause of death was typhoid fever, which his doctors believed he had contracted at his residence in Tunbridge Wells, where the drainage had been found to be ‘defective’.