Lewis was elected to the New South Wales Legislative Assembly in 1957 and served continuously until 1978, representing the seat of Wollondilly.
When the Askin government came to power in 1965, Lewis was given relatively junior portfolios of Lands and Mines.
Late in 1974, Askin announced his resignation and Lewis was chosen as leader over Willis and Justice Minister John Maddison.
Cutler was elected to the NSW Legislative Assembly in 1947 and served continuously until 1975, representing the seat of Orange.
There were minor rearrangements in June 1975 following the resignation of Milton Morris and in October 1975 when Wal Fife resigned in order to successfully contest the Australian House of Representatives seat of Farrer at the 1975 federal election.