The Cowper ministry (1856) or First Cowper ministry was the second ministry of the Colony of New South Wales, and was led by the Premier, the Honourable Charles Cowper. It was the first of five occasions that Cowper was Premier. Cowper was elected in the first free elections for the New South Wales Legislative Assembly held in March 1856, and fought unsuccessfully with Stuart Donaldson to form Government. When Donaldson's Government faltered a little over two months after it was formed, Cowper formed Government.
There was no party system in New South Wales politics until 1887. Under the constitution, ministers were required to resign to recontest their seats in a by-election when appointed. These by-elections are only noted when the minister was defeated; in general, he was elected unopposed.
This ministry covers the period from 26 August 1856 until on 2 October 1856, when Cowper resigned his commission, having lost the confidence of the Assembly.[1][2]
| Portfolio | Minister | Term commence | Term end | Term of office |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Premier Colonial Secretary |
Hon. Charles Cowper MLA | 26 August 1856 | 2 October 1856 | 37 days |
| Colonial Treasurer | Hon. Robert Campbell MLA | |||
| Auditor-General Secretary for Lands and Works |
Hon. Terence Murray MLA | |||
| Attorney-General | Hon. James Martin MLA | |||
| Solicitor-General Leader of the Government in Legislative Council |
Hon. Alfred Lutwyche MLC |
| Preceded by Donaldson ministry |
Cowper ministry (1856) 1856 |
Succeeded by Parker ministry |
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