[5] In autumn 1828, Blair and Sir James Fergusson canvassed local freeholders, both professed "friendly dispositions" towards the Duke of Wellington's government.
[5] On the 22 November 1830, the Whig politician Earl Grey became prime minister in a landslide election, at which he had committed to introduce an electoral reform bill.
On 6 May 1831 a march was held in Kilmarnock in support of Oswald and the Reform Act, comprising some 5,000-,6000 people, including representatives from many classes of tradesmen.
However, at the general election held on 18 May 1831, Blair defeated his pro-electoral reform opponent, Richard Oswald, 73 votes to 36, out of a possible 211 enrolled freeholders.
This win prompted outbursts in the courthouse where the votes were counted, and it was surrounded outside, with Blair unable to leave for three hours until dragoons arrived to disperse the crowd.