Lester was born in Poole and worked as a merchant, in the shipping trade with Newfoundland.
He stood in an 1809 by-election in Poole, and won the seat as a Whig.
He supported the abolition of slavery.
He held his seat at each election until 1835, when he stood down.
[2] In 1815, Lester served as Mayor of Poole.