He was the first New Zealand-born prime minister, holding office in a caretaker capacity following the death of William Massey.

He was elected to the House of Representatives in 1893, after two previous defeats, but served only a single term before retiring in 1896 to return to the legal profession.

When Massey died in office in 1925, Bell – aged 74 – was commissioned as his replacement for 16 days while the party elected a new leader (Gordon Coates).

[1] After finishing high school, he travelled to England where he attended St John's College, Cambridge, receiving a BA in 1873.

[2] On returning to New Zealand, he began practising law in Wellington, being involved in Bell, Gully, MacKenzie and Evans.

His son William Henry Dillon Bell (1884–1917) was a Member of Parliament, but resigned and volunteered for service in World War I.

[7] His niece and nephew, by his brother Alfred, Brenda and Frank Bell, became notable radio pioneers.

[11] In 1912, the Reform Party came to power, and on 10 July 1912 Bell was appointed to the Legislative Council.

[18] On returning to New Zealand, Bell became acting prime minister while William Massey was in London.

Bell declined the party's offer to become prime minister and was replaced by Gordon Coates.