Reid was elected to the New South Wales Legislative Assembly in 1880,[1] serving until 1884 when he was defeated in a ministerial by-election.

[2] Reid was re-elected to the Assembly at the 1885 election and joined the Free Trade Party on its formation in 1887.

Parkes continued as a minority government before resigning in October 1891, replaced as Premier by Sir George Dibbs Protectionist, with the support of Labour.

[3] Under the constitution, ministers in the Legislative Assembly were required to resign to recontest their seats in an election when appointed.

[10] Jack Want resigned as Attorney General in April 1898 as a result of Reid's famous Yes-No speech in order to oppose federation, rejoining in June 1898 after the first referendum was defeated.