Suckling's parliamentary seat produced no recorded speeches or votes, but his institutional position helped him seek employment for family members. He sat on Nelson's lieutenant examination after ensuring that his nephew had accumulated the experience needed to pass. Illness killed Suckling in 1778 after only three years as Controller, cutting short the chance to show what he might have achieved as a senior administrator or flag officer. The friends and professional family he left behind continued to provide opportunities that helped Nelson become one of the Royal Navy's greatest admirals.
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Suckling's last influence outlived his early death
Before dying in 1778, Suckling used Parliament and the Navy Board to support relatives and personally examined Nelson for lieutenant.