The National Citizens' Reform League, led by Thomas Bent, had disbanded shortly after the 1904 state election, leading to the majority of Liberals and Conservatives sitting separately again for around three years.

[2] However, after only a single year, Liberals John Murray and Alexander Peacock successfully moved a no confidence motion against him.

[4] This led to the ULP splitting and the Liberal Party forming.

Despite winning the highest number of seats, the United Liberal Party was defeated.

[1] On 8 January 1909, John Murray successfully moved a motion of no-confidence in Bent's government and succeeded him as Premier.