John Norton (journalist) Independent Albert Bruntnell Liberal Reform A by-election was held for the New South Wales Legislative Assembly electorate of Surry Hills on 21 July 1906 because of the resignation of John Norton (Independent).

Norton blamed William Holman for an article in The Worker commenting on Norton's unnatural silence over the land scandals involving Paddy Crick and William Willis.

The Cootamundra by-election was held the following week, however Norton withdrew from the contest.

H. V. Evatt argues that the most likely explanation for Norton's attack was to remove Labour's best debater at a critical time.

[3][7] Norton returned to parliament at the 1907 election for Darling Harbour.