1940 New Zealand National Party leadership election

New Zealand political party leadership election April 2024 1940 New Zealand National Party leadership election 75px presidential no 1936 New Zealand National Party leadership election 1936 1957 New Zealand National Party leadership election 1957 26 November 1940 150x150px Sidney Holland 00529F 13 61.90% 150x150px Adam Hamilton 00529F 8 38.10% Leader Leader after election Adam Hamilton Sidney Holland The 1940 New Zealand National Party leadership election was held to determine the future leadership of the New Zealand National Party. The election was won by Christchurch North MP Sidney Holland. Background In July 1940, Hamilton together with Gordon Coates joined the new "War Cabinet" after receiving invitations from Labour Prime Minister Peter Fraser.Gustafson Barry 4h9 Hamilton, Adam 4 April 2011 Barry Gustafson Sidney Holland together with several other National MPs began to question in caucus whether Hamilton could still carry out the role of Leader of the Opposition in an attempt to oust him.Gustafson Barry 5h30 Holland, Sidney George 30 October 2012 Barry Gustafson After considerable discussion, the party's dominion executive unanimously decided in November 1940 that Hamilton should be asked to resign. A long discussion in caucus ensued lasting all day which was inconclusive. The next day Hamilton announced he would resign as leader, but would offer himself for election once again in the ensuing ballot.Gustafson 1986 39 Candidates Adam Hamilton Hamilton was recognized by his peers and the public as being diligent, transparent and experienced, however he lacked the drive needed for the leadership of a party in opposition. He had never been able to truly establish himself as a leader in his own right, being seen by many as a "seat warmer" for Coates, his previous leader. Hamilton also carried the unpopular legacy of being a senior minister in the coalition government. Sidney Holland Holland had for several years had been acting as Hamilton's private secretary. He was regarded as more dynamic personality that could bring much needed vigour to the opposition benches. In addition, as he had only been an MP since 1935 he did not (in contrast to Hamilton) have any association with the now negatively viewed coalition government from the depression. Result The election was conducted through a members ballot by National's parliamentary caucus.Gustafson 1986 39 The following table gives the ballot results: NameVotesPercentageSidney Holland1361.90%Adam Hamilton838.10% Aftermath Holland served as Leader of the Opposition for nine years until the National Party won their first general election in 1949 where he became prime minister. Hamilton remained a part of the War Cabinet, which ironically was later joined by Holland, but stayed with National, unlike Coates who became an independent MP. Hamilton contested the 1943 election as a National candidate but did not seek re-election in 1946 choosing to retire. Notes References Gustafson Barry Barry Gustafson The First 50 Years : A History of the New Zealand National Party 1986 Reed Methuen Auckland 0-474-00177-6 April 2017 National Party leadership 1940 New Zealand National Party leadership election Category:November 1940 in Oceania