Constituency : Kingston upon Hull 1847-53, 1857-73
James was an interesting character, better noted for being an expert on whist than a politician. He was originally a protégé of Lord Durham. He had been unseated for bribery in 1853 before regaining the seat at the 1857 general election. In 1858 he called for future Liberal ministries to be more broadly representative.
James also combined being a Radical with a personal friendship with Benjamin Disraeli.
In 1866 James introduced an Elective Franchise Bill calling for an educational test by which men not otherwise qualified in the boroughs could get on the register for which he was fiercely attacked by Bright.
James died in office aged 69 in 1873, the seat being captured by the Conservatives as a short-term by-election gain.
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