biography text
Blackburne was elected in 1784 without a contest, and supported Pitt. His only known vote against Administration was on the Irish commercial propositions, 11 May 1785, where Pitt’s policy ran contrary to the interests of Lancashire. Four speeches are recorded before 1790: two on the French commercial treaty of 1787, and two on the piece goods bill of 1789—both measures which affected Lancashire industry. ‘Though not distinguished in debate’, wrote the Gentleman’s Magazine in his obituary (1833, i. 465), ‘his attention to the interests of his constituents was assiduous.’
He died 11 Apr. 1833.