Political Career
| Parliament of New Zealand | ||||
| Years | Term | Electorate | Party | |
| 1893–1896 | 12th | Wellington | Independent | |
His political career began with being elected Mayor of Wellington in 1891, 1892 and 1896. In his first general election in 1890, he was defeated running as an independent for the City of Wellington electorate. He was narrowly defeated by William McLean in an 1892 by-election by 3388 votes to 3245. He finally entered Parliament in the 1893 election, serving for one term.
In 1912, the Reform Party came to power, and on 10 July 1912 Bell was appointed to the Legislative Council. He became Minister of Internal Affairs (1912–1915), and Minister of Immigration (1912–1920). He was Attorney-General (1918–1926). He was the first Commissioner of State Forests, and from 1923 he would also serve as the Minister of Foreign Affairs.
He represented New Zealand at the League of Nations in 1922. He would also attend the allied conferences at Genoa and the Hague.
In 1923 he was appointed a Knight Grand Cross of the Order of St Michael and St George and was appointed to the Privy Council.
Read more about this topic: Francis Bell (New Zealand Prime Minister)
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