How NZ PMs have left office

of ABC blogged an interesting list of how each Australian Pm has left office. 11 have been defeated at an election, six defeated in Parliament, six deposed by their party, three retired, three died in office three were temporary and one sacked by a Governor-.

I thought I would do the same for New Zealand Prime Ministers. I've only done those from Seddon onwards. The list is:

Defeated at Election (11)

Died (4)

  • Richard Seddon
  • William Massey
  • Michael Joseph Savage
  • Norman Kirk

Deposed by Party (4)

  • Keith Holyoake (2) (effectively)
  • David Lange (effectively)
  • Geoffrey Palmer
  • Jim Bolger

Some may dispute if Holoyoake and Lange were deposed. I go for form over substance. They both wanted to carry on but had lost confidence, even if no formal vote.

Defeated in Parliament (2)

  • Joseph Ward (1) (effectively)
  • Thomas Mackenzie

One could dispute Ward but he resigned as he was facing a confidence motion, and his successor lost a confidence vote months later.

Resigned for ill health (2)

  • Joseph Ward (2)
  • Sidney Holland

Temporary (2)

  • William Hall-Jones
  • Francis Bell

Still in office (1)

  • John Key

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