William Holman

Holman broke with New South Wales Labor over conscription in 1916 and continued as premier through an alliance with his former opponents. The split did not immediately end his government: his new Nationalist administration won in 1917. In 1920, however, Labor returned to office and Holman lost his own seat. His case prevents a tidy story in which departure automatically causes instant defeat. Wartime realignment temporarily preserved his power, but his personal standing did not secure it indefinitely.