Forbes, George William (1869–1947)

New Zealand centre-right politician, prime minister 1930–35. He was Liberal Party whip from 1912 and leader between 1925–28. He became leader again, when it had become the United Party, in 1930, and also prime minister. A genial, uncomplicated politician, described as a ‘plain man without frills’, Forbes led the country through the difficulties of the Great Depression, heading a United Party–Reform Party coalition. However, his inflexibility as unemployment increased led to a crushing electoral defeat in 1935 and a first-ever victory for the Labour Party, led by Michael Savage.

After winning a land ballot in 1893, Forbes became a farmer. He was first elected to the House of Representatives in 1908 and remained an MP until his retirement in 1943. During his long political career he switched between the Liberal, National, United, and Coalition parties.