Storey was elected to the New South Wales Legislative Assembly in 1901, serving until his death while Premier in 1921, with a break between 1904 and 1907 following the abolition of his seat.

In November 1916 Labor split over conscription, when Premier William Holman, and twenty of his supporters were expelled from the party for defying party policy and supporting conscription.

[3][4] Holman had been defeated for his seat and George Fuller became leader of the Nationalist Party.

Nationalist Daniel Levy controversially accepted re-election as speaker, giving Labor an effective majority.

[8] This ministry was the first time in which the role of Premier was a separate ministerial portfolio.