In October 1900 Rawlings contested the UK General Election as Liberal candidate for
Islington North. In November 1900 he was elected a
Hammersmith Borough Councillor at Hammersmith's first borough council elections. He was later appointed an Alderman of the borough council. He also served as Mayor of Hammersmith from 1906-07. He stood several times for election to the
London County Council as a
Progressive candidate, without success. In 1895 and 1901 he contested
Hammersmith. In 1910 he contested the
City of London. Rawlings took an active part in the relief of the unemployed and assistance of cripples. He also served as a Justice of the Peace for the County of London.
Electoral record ==Religious activities==