Thomas Bliss (MP) facts for kids
Thomas Bliss (born around 1647, died October 8, 1721) was an English politician. He was a member of the Tory Party and served in the House of Commons, which is a very important part of the British government. He was a Member of Parliament (MP) for two different periods between 1698 and 1708.
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Who Was Thomas Bliss?
Thomas Bliss was an important figure in English politics during the late 1600s and early 1700s. He was known for being a Tory, which was one of the main political groups at the time. He also owned a brewery in Maidstone, a town in England.
What is a Member of Parliament?
A Member of Parliament (often called an MP) is a person chosen by voters to represent them in the House of Commons. Think of it like a student council representative, but for a whole region or town in the country. MPs help make laws and discuss important issues for their area and the whole country.
Bliss's Time in Parliament
Thomas Bliss first became an MP for Maidstone in 1698. He was chosen again without anyone running against him in January 1701. Later that year, in November 1701, he was re-elected even though some people tried to spread rumors about him.
Political Challenges in Maidstone
In July 1702, Bliss lost an election. However, this election was later declared invalid because of unfair practices by the Whigs, another major political group. Because of this, no one could be elected for Maidstone until 1704.
Bliss was elected again for Maidstone in 1704. He kept his seat as an MP until 1708, when he decided not to run for election again. Even after leaving Parliament, his political life in Maidstone continued. He was allowed back as an alderman (a type of local council member) in 1710. But in 1711, the Whig Party, which had more members, declared that he had not been properly chosen for the role.
