Edward Stafford (politician)

The Right Honourable Sir Edward Stafford GCMG
3rd Premier of New Zealand
In office 2 June 1856 – 12 July 1861
Monarch	Victoria
Governor	Thomas Gore Browne
Preceded by	William Fox
Succeeded by	William Fox
In office 16 October 1865 – 28 June 1869
Governor	George Grey
Preceded by	Frederick Weld
Succeeded by	William Fox
In office 10 September 1872 – 11 October 1872
Governor	George Bowen
Preceded by	William Fox
Succeeded by	George Waterhouse
6th Colonial Secretary
In office 4 November 1856 – 12 July 1861
Preceded by	William Richmond
Succeeded by	Isaac Featherston
1st Superintendent of Nelson Province
In office 1 August 1853 – September 1856
Preceded by	Position established
Succeeded by	John Perry Robinson
Personal details
Born	Edward William Stafford (1819-04-23)23 April 1819 Edinburgh, Scotland
Died	February 1901 (aged 81) London, England
Political party	None
Spouses	Emily Wakefield ​ ​ (m. 1846; died 1857)​ Mary Bartley ​ ​ (m. 1859; died 1899)​
Children	6
Alma mater	Trinity College Dublin
Signature

Sir Edward William Stafford GCMG (23 April 1819 – 14 or 15 February 1901) served as the third premier of New Zealand on three occasions in the mid 19th century. His total time in office is the longest of any leader without a political party. He is described as pragmatic, logical, and clear-sighted.