The 11th Parliament was most significant,[4] as following the 1890 general election, it marked the beginning of party politics in New Zealand with the formation of the Liberal Government, which was to enact major welfare, labour and electoral reforms, including giving the vote to women.

On 21 January Atkinson told his colleagues that he was retiring on doctor's orders, resigned his seat and was sworn into the Legislative Council, and appointed Speaker.

When William Rolleston lost the ministerial nomination for Speaker, Edwin Mitchelson announced the resignation of the government.

Ballance had considerable difficulty in achieving reform of the Legislative Council, with new appointments to be for seven years rather than life, and he had major disagreements with the Governor.

Ballance's victory is seen as establishing an important precedent in the relationship between Governor and Prime Minister.

Due to the loose nature of this grouping it is difficult to determine the affiliation of some Independent MPs.