1858 New South Wales colonial election

The 1858 New South Wales colonial election was held between 13 January and 12 February 1858. This election was for all of the 54 seats in the New South Wales Legislative Assembly and it was conducted in 18 single-member constituencies, 13 2-member constituencies, two 3-member constituencies and one 4-member constituency, all with a first past the post system. Suffrage was limited to adult white males. The previous parliament of New South Wales was dissolved on 19 December 1857 by the Governor, Sir William Denison, on the advice of the Premier, Charles Cowper.

1858 New South Wales colonial election

← 1856 13 January 1858 – 12 February 1858 1859 →
All 54 seats in the New South Wales Legislative Assembly 28 Assembly seats were needed for a majority
Leader Charles Cowper Leader's seat Sydney City
Results of the election, showing winners in each seat. Seats without circles indicate the electorate returned one member.
Premier before election Charles Cowper Elected Premier Charles Cowper

There was no recognisable party structure at this election; instead the government was determined by a loose, shifting factional system.

Key dates

Date	Event
19 December 1857	The Legislative Assembly was dissolved, and writs were issued by the Governor to proceed with an election.
12 January to 1 February 1858	Nominations for candidates for the election closed.
13 January to 12 February 1858	Polling days.
23 March 1858	Opening of new Parliament.

Results

New South Wales colonial election, 13 January 1858 – 12 February 1858 Legislative Assembly << 1856–1859 >>
Enrolled voters
Votes cast		38,924		Turnout	43.09	−5.42
Informal votes		0		Informal	0.00	+0.00
Summary of votes by party
Party		Primary votes	%	Swing	Seats	Change
Total		38,924			54

See also

• Members of the New South Wales Legislative Assembly, 1858–1859
• Candidates of the 1858 New South Wales colonial election