Philip Green used his own popularity, gained through his shipping interests which brought money into the town, to ensure that John was elected in 1802 to represent Hull, a seat he would hold until 1818.
Philip Green died in 1803 and Staniforth increased his interest in Hull by setting up his own shipping business.
[2] John Staniforth was recorded on a list of 'staunch friends' of the abolition of the slave trade, but did not support Richard Bland's motion on 9 April 1807.
In 1818, Staniforth was criticised for participation in the profits of the East India Company monopoly amongst other things.
He had married in 1793 Maria Pitts of Bridlington Quay, Yorkshire and had a total of five children, of which four survived.