 In 1624 he was elected MP for Peterborough, Northamptonshire, near his wife's home at Apethorpe.On 29 December 1624, he was created Baron Burghersh "in the County of Sussex", and Earl of Westmorland (1008th on the roll).On his mother's death on 28 June 1626 he succeeded her as 4th Baron le Despenser, and as "de jure" 8th and 6th Baron Bergavenny.