[1][2] Stevens was first elected to the New South Wales Legislative Assembly in 1927 and served continuously until 1940.

Having served as a senior minister in the Bavin ministry, following the defeat of the Nationalist coalition led by Bavin, who was in poor health,[3] at the 1930 state election, Stevens was elected leader of the newly formed United Australia Party in New South Wales and became Leader of the Opposition.

This ministry covers the period from 13 May 1932 when, as a result of the Lang Dismissal Crisis, the Governor of New South Wales, Philip Game used the reserve power of The Crown to remove Jack Lang as Premier.

The ministry served until 10 February 1935[1] when the 1935 state election saw the Stevens–Bruxner coalition re-elected for a subsequent term.

In the first arrangement, lasting just two days, Stevens was the only Member of Government pending formation of the full ministry as a result of the turmoil following the dismissal of Lang and his third ministry.