James Farrer (1812–1879) was a nineteenth-century British Conservative Party politician who represented the South Durham constituency in the House of Commons. Born in May 1812, Farrer's career in public service spanned several decades during the Victorian era, a period marked by significant political realignment and electoral reform in the United Kingdom.
Farrer first contested the South Durham seat in the general election of 1841, though this initial attempt was unsuccessful. He found success in the 1847 general election, securing the seat unopposed after the incumbent, John Bowes, stepped down. Farrer successfully defended his position in 1852, again running unopposed, but lost his seat in the 1857 election to the Liberal candidate, Henry Pease.
Farrer's political career was revitalized during the 1859 general election. Following the retirement of the Liberal MP Lord Harry George Vane, Farrer reclaimed his seat for South Durham, once again running unopposed. He remained in office until the 1865 general election, at which point he chose to retire from active political life. Farrer passed away in June 1879, concluding a life defined by his parliamentary contributions to his region.
