A by-election was held for the New South Wales Legislative Assembly electorate of Cootamundra on 28 July 1906 because of the resignation of William Holman . John Norton blamed Holman for a series of articles in The Worker commenting on Norton's unnatural silence over the land scandals involving Paddy Crick and William Willis.[1] Norton made a personal attack on Holman in parliament, challenging him to resign and both would contest Holman's seat of Cootamundra.
The Surry Hills by-election was held the previous week. John Norton was a candidate, however he was defeated and withdrew from the contest for Cootamundra.[2] H. V. Evatt argues that the most likely explanation for Norton's attack was to remove Labour's best debater at a critical time.[3]
| Date | Event | |
|---|---|---|
| 5 July 1906 | William Holman resigned.[4] | |
| 6 July 1906 | Writ of election issued by the Speaker of the Legislative Assembly.[5] | |
| 17 July 1906 | Nominations | |
| 28 July 1906 | Polling day | |
| 14 August 1906 | Return of writ |