The MPs had lost their leader Sir Robert Stout, and were overwhelmingly tasked with defeating the sitting ministry headed by Harry Atkinson at the next general election.

To address these concerns a caucus was organised to select a new leader from amongst them to rival Atkinson and win back power in 1890.

It consisted of James Dupré Lance, John Ballance, John McKenzie, Oliver Samuel, Richard Seddon, William Steward and Frederick Moss as well as the two opposition whips; William Campbell Walker and Frederick Fitchett.

[3] Ballance had been a leading figure in parliament's liberal faction for years and was a prominent critic of Atkinson.

[3] John Ballance led the Liberals until his death in 1893 including two years as prime minister, forming his own ministry in 1891 after winning the 1890 election.