Ambitious of political distinction, on the first election under the
Reform Act 1832 of members for
Glasgow, in 1832, Sandford was one of six candidates for the representation of that city, on which occasion he was defeated, his name being third on the poll. In 1834 he was elected member for
Paisley, and in June that year he took the degree of doctor of civil law. After sitting one session in parliament, ill health induced him to resign his seat, and in the beginning of the following winter he resumed his academic duties. ==Death==