The 1877 election did not resolve the issue with neither Robertson nor Parkes obtaining a majority.

The title of Premier was widely used to refer to the Leader of the Government, but was not a formal ministerial office until 1920.

Under the constitution, ministers were required to resign to recontest their seats in a by-election when appointed.

[1] Such ministerial by-elections were usually uncontested and on this occasion a poll was required for Yass Plains (Michael Fitzpatrick) and he was easily re-elected.

The six other ministers, James Farnell (St Leonards), Henry Cohen (West Maitland), Joseph Leary (The Murrumbidgee), John Sutherland (Paddington), William Suttor Jr. (East Macquarie) and John Burns (The Hunter), were re-elected unopposed.