Bayntun-Rolt's estate brought him a major interest in the parliamentary seat at
Chippenham. He was returned as an opposition Whig
Member of Parliament at a by-election on 22 June 1737. At the
1741 general election he was re-elected with
Sir Edmond Thomas, another opposition candidate, after a contest against two government candidates. The two defeated government candidates petitioned and the outcome became a trial of strength between
Sir Robert Walpole and his opponents. On 31 January 1742 the petition was rejected by 16 votes. This event led to Walpole's resignation after 20 years as prime minister. ==Family life and legacy==