The Jennings ministry was the 23rd ministry of the Colony of New South Wales, and was led by the eleventh Premier, the Honourable Sir Patrick Alfred Jennings KCMG, and the first Roman Catholic to hold the office of Colonial Premier.[1] Jennings was first elected to the New South Wales Legislative Assembly in 1869, and then again in 1880.
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 February 1886 until 19 January 1887. Jennings took over as Premier following the February 1886 resignation of the Hon. Sir John Robertson MLA.[2] Jennings' ministry was beset by financial difficulties,[1][2] lasted only 11 months, and was succeeded by Henry Parkes.[3]
| Portfolio | Minister | Term commence | Term end | Term of office |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Premier Colonial Treasurer |
Hon. Sir Patrick Jennings MLA | 26 February 1886 | 19 January 1887 | 327 days |
| Colonial Secretary | Hon. George Dibbs MLA | |||
| Minister of Public Instruction | Hon. Arthur Renwick MLA | |||
| Minister of Justice | Hon. James Garvan MLA | |||
| Attorney-General | Hon. John Want MLA | |||
| Secretary for Lands | Hon. Henry Copeland MLA | |||
| Secretary for Public Works | Hon. William Lyne MLA | |||
| Postmaster-General | Hon. Francis Suttor MLA | |||
| Secretary for Mines | Hon. Francis Wright MLA | 23 December 1886 | 300 days | |
| Hon. Charles Mackellar MLC | 24 December 1886 | 24 days | ||
| Representative of the Government in Legislative Council | 26 February 1886 | 19 January 1887 | 327 days |
| Preceded by Robertson ministry (1885-1886) |
Jennings ministry 1886–1887 |
Succeeded by Parkes ministry (1887-1889) |
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