‘A young man of great parts, but of no steadiness in courage, conduct, or principles’,
spoke as well as ever anyone spoke in his own defence, insisted on the petition being heard [at the bar of the House], and concluded with declaring that his cause was his defence and impartiality must be his support.
He then agreed with the Opposition that if they would promise to withdraw the petition he would vote for them on the Westminster election.
His friends reproached him so strongly with his meanness that he was shocked, and went to Mr. Pulteney to get off; Mr. Pulteney told him he had given him his honour and he would not release him, though Lord Doneraile declared it was against his conscience.
In the end he voted with the Opposition on the Westminster petition. In spite of promising to vote straight in future, he ratted once more on the Chippenham election petition,
After Walpole’s fall, Doneraile supported the Government till the Pelhams replaced the Bath-Granville section of the Administration by the leaders of the Opposition at the end of 1744. He then reverted to opposition, distinguishing himself by his skilful attempts to stir up trouble between the old corps of Whigs and their new allies.
Doneraile was defeated at Winchelsea in the general election of 1747, but was returned for Old Sarum at a by-election by the Prince’s election manager, Thomas Pitt. He disappointed Frederick by not speaking oftener in the House of Commons,