Opposition
| Parliament of New Zealand | ||||
| Years | Term | Electorate | Party | |
| 1894–1896 | 12th | Waitemata | Independent | |
| 1896–1899 | 13th | Franklin | Independent | |
| 1899–1902 | 14th | Franklin | Independent | |
| 1902–1905 | 15th | Franklin | Independent | |
| 1905–1908 | 16th | Franklin | Independent | |
| 1908–1909 | 17th | Franklin | Independent | |
| 1909–1911 | Changed allegiance to: | Reform | ||
| 1911–1914 | 18th | Franklin | Reform | |
| 1914–1919 | 19th | Franklin | Reform | |
| 1919–1922 | 20th | Franklin | Reform | |
| 1922–1925 | 21st | Franklin | Reform | |
Massey joined the ranks of the (mostly conservative) independent MPs opposing the Liberal Party (which was by then led by Richard Seddon). These opposition MPs, however, were poorly organized and dispirited, and had little chance of unseating the Liberals. William Russell, official Leader of the Opposition, was able to command only fifteen votes. Massey brought increased vigour to the conservative faction.
While the conservatives did rally for a time, support for the Liberals increased markedly during the Second Boer War, leaving the conservatives devastated. Massey's political career, however, survived the period. Despite a challenge by William Herries, Massey remained the most prominent opponent to the Liberal Party.
After Seddon's death, the Liberals came to be led by Joseph Ward, who proved more vulnerable to Massey's attacks. In particular, Massey made gains by claiming that alleged corruption and cronyism within the civil service was ignored or abetted by the Liberal government. His conservative politics also benefited him when voters grew concerned about militant unionism and the supposed threat of socialism.
Read more about this topic: William Massey
Famous quotes containing the word opposition:
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