 He was the only Member of the Board of Commissioners who held his seat from first to last, "not indeed undisputed, but undisturbed".The strong individuality which marked his career "in the days of his health and vigour" was considered of great service to the town in many respects

He provided effective support to the Conservative Party in the town and county both directly and through the organ of his periodical.In the 1847 election, Sir Willoughby Jones was returned as Conservative MP for Cheltenham, after several years of Liberal dominance.