Early Parliamentary Career
| Parliament of New Zealand | ||||
| Years | Term | Electorate | Party | |
| 1887–1890 | 10th | Dunedin East | Independent | |
| 1892–1893 | 11th | Bruce | Independent | |
| 1893–1896 | 12th | Bruce | Independent | |
| 1896–1899 | 13th | Bruce | Independent | |
| 1899–1902 | 14th | Bruce | Independent | |
| 1902–1905 | 15th | Bruce | Independent | |
| 1905–1908 | 16th | Bruce | Independent | |
| 1908–1909 | 17th | Bruce | Independent | |
| 1909–1911 | Changed allegiance to: | Reform | ||
| 1911–1914 | 18th | Bruce | Reform | |
| 1914–1919 | 19th | Bruce | Reform | |
| 1919–1920 | 20th | Bruce | Reform | |
In 1887, Allen decided to enter national politics, standing in the Dunedin East seat as a conservative opponent to Robert Stout, the Premier. Few expected a first-time challenger to defeat the Premier, but amazingly, Allen did just that. Allen's own tenure as MP for Dunedin East was short, however, as he was himself voted out of office at the next (1890) election. In 1892, however, Allen returned to Parliament after winning a by-election in the rural Otago electorate of Bruce, which he held until he retired in 1920.
Gradually, Allen developed a reputation as a solid performer in Parliament. He lacked the skills at oratory of some of his contemporaries, and was often seen as humourless and uncharismatic. But he was nevertheless considered dependable, reasonable, and practical. He was sometimes cited as a possible leader for Parliament's conservative faction, but when the conservatives eventually came together to found the Reform Party, the more charismatic William Massey became leader instead.
Read more about this topic: James Allen (New Zealand Politician)
Famous quotes containing the words early and/or career:
“The conviction that the best way to prepare children for a harsh, rapidly changing world is to introduce formal instruction at an early age is wrong. There is simply no evidence to support it, and considerable evidence against it. Starting children early academically has not worked in the past and is not working now.”
—David Elkind (20th century)
“They want to play at being mothers. So let them. Expressing tenderness in their own way will not prevent girls from enjoying a successful career in the future; indeed, the ability to nurture is as valuable a skill in the workplace as the ability to lead.”
—Anne Roiphe (20th century)