1869–70 New South Wales colonial election

The 1869–70 New South Wales colonial election was held between 3 December 1869 and 10 January 1870. This election was for all of the 72 seats in the New South Wales Legislative Assembly and it was conducted in 52 single-member constituencies, six 2-member constituencies and two 4-member constituencies, all with a first past the post system. Suffrage was limited to adult white males. The previous parliament of New South Wales was dissolved on 15 November 1869 by the Governor, Lord Belmore, on the advice of the Premier, John Robertson.

Quick facts All 72 seats in the New South Wales Legislative Assembly 37 Assembly seats were needed for a majority, First party ...

New South Wales colonial election, 1869–70

← 1864–65 3 December 1869 – 10 January 1870 1872 →
All 72 seats in the New South Wales Legislative Assembly 37 Assembly seats were needed for a majority
First party Second party   Leader Charles Cowper David Buchanan[1] Party Government Opposition Leader's seat (elected to Liverpool Plains) (elected to East Sydney) Seats won 34[2] 25[2]
Results of the election, showing winners in each seat. Seats without member charts indicate the electorate returned one member.
Premier before election John Robertson Elected Premier Charles Cowper

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There was no recognisable party structure at this election; instead the government was determined by a loose, shifting factional system. While the government, also called the Ministerial party, was returned in this election, Premier John Robertson could not get the support of the legislative assembly, and stepped aside for Charles Cowper to form a government.^[3]