A by-election was held for the New South Wales Legislative Assembly electorate of Liverpool Plains on 9 January 1871 because Charles Cowper had been appointed Agent General in London.
[1] John Robertson was already a member of the Legislative Assembly, for the electorate West Sydney.
At the nominations Hanley Bennett produced a telegram from Robertson stating that he would not oppose Lewis Levy and would not sit if elected.
[4] Polling was delayed at Breeza and Quirindi Inn because of floods and a mistake by a postmaster.
[5]