William Weston

Who was William Weston?

William Pritchard Weston was the third Premier of Tasmania.

Born in Shoreditch, England, Weston emigrated to Tasmania in about 1830, purchasing a property near Longford, and lived there for several years. He also received a grant of 2500 acres. He was made a magistrate and with the Rev. John West took a prominent part in the formation of the anti-transportation league which between 1849 and 1853 had an important influence in the success of this movement. Holding office on two different occasions. Weston was elected to parliament at the original opening, in 1856 in the electoral district of Ringwood. He served for a short term as Premier from 25 April 1857 until 12 May 1857. He resigned his seat in the Tasmanian House of Assembly on 20 May 1857, instead taking a position in the Tasmanian Legislative Council as the member for Longford on 19 May 1857. He became Premier again on 1 November 1860 holding the position until 2 August 1861. He resigned from the Tasmanian Parliament altogether and later moved to Victoria, dying in St Kilda. He was survived by a son and five daughters.