Thomas Holmes (2 November 1699 – 21 July 1764) was an English Member of Parliament, who managed elections in the government interest in the Isle of Wight during the 1750s and 1760s.
Holmes had influence over the election of members for five of the six seats in the island's boroughs (Newport, Newtown and Yarmouth). Although it was accepted that he should have first use of the seats for himself and his family (his brothers General Henry Holmes and Admiral Charles Holmes sat for Yarmouth and Newport respectively), he otherwise exercised this influence in favour of government candidates. Even though the extent of his power in the boroughs fell far short of the power of many borough-owners who could directly return MPs, he was sufficiently valuable to the Pelham and Newcastle ministries for him to ask for, and be given, an Irish peerage. He was created Baron Holmes on 11 September 1760; the peerage became extinct on his death in 1764.
Holmes was Governor of the Isle of Wight from 6 April 1763 until his death.
| Parliament of Great Britain | ||
|---|---|---|
| Preceded by William Stephens Charles Worsley |
Member of Parliament for Newtown with James Worsley 1727-1729 |
Succeeded by Charles Armand Powlett Sir John Barrington |
| Preceded by Charles Armand Powlett Sir John Barrington |
Member of Parliament for Newtown with James Worsley 1734-1741 |
Succeeded by Henry Holmes Sir John Barrington |
| Preceded by Maurice Bocland Robert Carteret |
Member of Parliament for Yarmouth (Isle of Wight) with Henry Holmes 1747-1762 Jeremiah Dyson (1762-1764) 1747-1764 |
Succeeded by Jeremiah Dyson John Eames |
| Honorary titles | ||
| Preceded by The Earl of Portsmouth |
Vice-Admiral and Governor of the Isle of Wight 1763–1764 |
Succeeded by Hans Stanley |
| Peerage of Ireland | ||
| New creation | Baron Holmes 1760–1764 |
Extinct |