Service to Wolsey, election as MP and membership of the RC

• 1.Wolsey’s death was bad news for Cromwell: without Wolsey, Cromwell had no formal position in Henry’s government, and, as Wolsey’s senior advisor, he himself was at risk.
• 2. Many members of Wolsey’s household distanced themselves from the cardinal, but Cromwell continued to speak in Wolsey’s defence.
• 3. In 1529 Wolsey became MP for Taunton, and used his position to defend Wolsey’s reputation. He even tried to defend Wolsey in court, gaining an audience with Henry himself.
• 4. While ultimately unsuccessful in saving Wolsey, Cromwell impressed Henry with his loyalty and his legal skills.
• 5. In 1531 Cromwell was appointed to the Royal Council, which placed him in Henry’s circle of trusted advisors.