 However, in 1648 he became an Engager seeking an alliance with Charles I, leading to a break with the majority of the Covenanters.Admitted to parliament in 1649 he was appointed a commissioner of the Exchequer in 1650.He was created Earl of Balcarres on 9 January 1651, with the subsidiary title Lord Lindsay and Balneil, and hereditary governor of Edinburgh Castle in 1651.