Reid was Premier of New South Wales from 1894 until 1899. His ambivalent attitude towards Australian federation resulted in his being dubbed “Yes–No” Reid. He led the Free Traders in the first federal parliament and was Prime Minister, leading a coalition of Free Traders and Protectionists (1904–05). After the defeat of his government, Reid led the Opposition until 1908. He was the first Australian High Commissioner in London (1910–16), after which he was elected to the British House of Commons.