 His ability was admired by the North Ministry, and he was offered a seat at Morpeth in 1776 by the Earl of Carlisle, but declined lest it interfere with his prospects for a judgeship.He was considered, but ultimately passed over, by North to fill the post of Attorney General or Solicitor General.Mansfield finally did enter the House of Commons in 1779 as member for Cambridge University, replacing the newly acceded Duke of Rutland.