 Aitken rarely spoke in the House of Commons, but did promise substantial financial support to the Unionist Party, and in 1911 he was knighted by King George V. Aitken's political influence grew when Bonar Law replaced A.J.Balfour as leader of the Unionist party late in 1911.Aitken bought Cherkley Court near Leatherhead and entertained lavishly there.