governor, colonial

Representative of the sovereign in British colonies, in most cases assisted by an executive council. The governor is normally commander-in-chief of all forces in the governor's territory and is not entitled to leave the colony without royal permission.

When a governor is ordered by the British government to select his or her executive council from members of the local legislature who can command a majority, the colony is said to be self-governing, although it is still subject to acts passed by the British Parliament.