 He rose to lieutenant on 7 September 1841, captain on 19 June 1846, major on 27 May and lieutenant-colonel on 28 May 1853.Herbert entered politics when he was returned for Ludlow, uncontested, in February 1854, holding the seat until he resigned in September 1860.He continued to serve in the army, being appointed assistant quartermaster-general of Sir De Lacy Evans's division of the army of the East.