A by-election was held for the New South Wales Legislative Assembly electorate of Central Cumberland on 31 August 1877 because the seats of William Long and John Lackey were declared vacant as they had been appointed to positions in the fourth Robertson ministry. Long was appointed Colonial Treasurer,[1] and Lackey was appointed Minister of Justice and Public Instruction.[2] Such ministerial by-elections were usually uncontested however on this occasion, only Thomas Garrett (Camden) and Ezekiel Baker (Goldfields South) were unopposed. While the other ministers, John Robertson (West Sydney), John Davies (East Sydney) and Edward Combes (Orange) were opposed, all were re-elected.[3]
| Date | Event | |
|---|---|---|
| 17 August 1877 | William Long, and John Lackey, were appointed to the fourth Robertson ministry. | |
| 18 August 1877 | Writ of election issued by the Speaker of the Legislative Assembly.[4] | |
| 27 August 1877 | Nominations | |
| 31 August 1877 | Polling day | |
| 17 September 1877 | Return of writ |