[1] In 1695, Holmes lost the governorship of Hurst Castle after opposing the Governor of the Isle of Wight, Lord Cutts.

At the 1698 English general election, with the dispute with Cutts resolved, Holmes was returned unopposed as MP for Yarmouth.

[1] In 1702, Holmes was restored to his post as Governor of Hurst Castle, and he was returned unopposed again at the 1702 English general election.

At the 1710 British general election, he was returned again for Yarmouth as a Tory, and with the change of Administration was appointed Lieutenant-Governor of the Isle of Wight in 1710.

[1] He was returned at a contest at the 1715 British general election, and voted against the septennial bill in 1716, but was unseated on petition on 12 April 1717.