Settling in New Zealand in 1907, he joined the Labour Party on its foundation, entering Parliament in 1919, and becoming deputy-leader in 1923. He took over as leader in 1933 on the death of Harry Holland, and became Prime Minister in 1935 after Labour’s landslide victory. Savage is best remembered for his insistent advocacy of the Social Security Act and was one of the most popular of the country’s political leaders.