George Forbes (New Zealand politician)

George William Forbes PC (/fɔːrbz/; 12 March 1869 – 17 May 1947) was a New Zealand politician who served as the 22nd prime minister of New Zealand from 28 May 1930 to 6 December 1935. He was the last leader of the remnant of the Liberal Party and having entered the House of Representatives in 1908 as a Radical in that Party, he went on to become a founder of The New Zealand National Party in 1936.

Forbes was born in Lyttelton near Christchurch and he later began farming at Cheviot, North Canterbury. He became active in local politics. Forbes was first elected as a Liberal Party member of parliament in 1908 for the North Canterbury electorate of Hurunui. From the mid-1920s the Liberal Party changed its name twice and Forbes was elected leader in 1925, shortly after it had adopted the name National Party. He was the leader in 1927 when the Party changed its name to the United Party, he was again elected leader in May 1930, and he initially led the newly created National Party in 1936. His rise to power as Prime Minister was unexpected and some believed him unsuited to the post; it was his misfortune to hold office during the very worst period of the Great Depression. He nevertheless remained in power for over five years. Forbes headed the United–Reform coalition Government that eventually became the modern National Party.

Often referred to as "Honest George", Forbes had a reputation for probity, considerable debating skill, a good memory, and that most essential of skills in a party leader, an ability to assess the mood of the House. A man of equable disposition, his courteous and friendly attitude earned him the liking and respect of parliamentarians from all sides of the House. Throughout his time in national politics his Hurunui constituents held Forbes in high regard: during his tenure as Prime Minister he would roll up his sleeves and help load sheep on the railway wagons for market.