1854 FitzGerald ministry
1854 FitzGerald ministry | |
|---|---|
Cabinet of New Zealand | |
| 14 June–2 August 1854 | |
| Date formed | 14 June 1854 |
| Date dissolved | 2 August 1854 |
| People and organisations | |
| Governor | Robert Wynyard |
| Unofficial Leader | James FitzGerald |
| Total no. of members | 4 (later 5) |
| Member party | Independent politicians |
| Status in legislature | Unofficial advisory council |
| History | |
| Outgoing election | 1853 general election |
| Legislature term | 1st New Zealand Parliament |
| Incoming formation | Appointment of unofficial members to Executive Council |
| Outgoing formation | Resignation after Governor awaited London instructions |
| Successor | Sewell Ministry |
The FitzGerald Ministry was a ministry-style executive council formed in New Zealand in 1854 during the 1st New Zealand Parliament. Led by James FitzGerald, it originally consisted of four members, and was later joined briefly by Dillon Bell on 30 June 1854 following demands from the Legislative Council. As New Zealand had not yet gained responsible government, the members of the ministry were appointed by Governor Thomas Gore Browne. Although it lacked executive authority, and answered to the Governor rather than Parliament, it is typically regarded as the first attempt at a parliamentary ministry.