Constituency : Norwich 1870-71, 1875, 1880-85
Jacob claimed the second Norwich seat for the Liberals after the resignation of the Tory representative.
Jacob was a solicitor from Norwich and a leader of non-conformity in the city. In 1845 he was one of the founders of the Norfolk News "a weekly journal based upon civil, religious and commercial freedom " . He was a friend of Cobden, Bright and Morley. He was guardian for a time and an inspiration to the radical journalist H.W. Massingham. Jacob was noted for his campaigns against corruption in municipal politics, particularly when he was mayor in 1859, which makes his own subsequent electoral difficulties embarrassing. He stood in 1868 where the Earl of Kimberley saw him and noted "He is determined to persevere in standing for Norwch. On the whole I think the Whigs are wrong in not supporting him. He is decidedly the working man's favourite & in towns like Norwich the moderate Liberals must whether they like it or not consult the wishes of the working men".
Jacob's by-election victory was eventually voided on petition. He contested the seat unsuccessfully in 1874 then won it back at a by-election in 1875. This was again voided when his party agents were found to have offered jobs in return for votes. That same year he was Mayor again and chairman of the Norwich School Board until he won the seat a third time in 1880. He remained in situ until 1885 when he stood down. He was persuaded to stand again in 1886 but was unsuccessful.
He died in 1892 aged 73.
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