 McPhee supported the Lyons government in a subsequent no-confidence vote and, as Opposition Leader from 29 July 1925, was noted for his co-operative and cordial relationship with Lyons.Reversing the Nationalist Party's heavy defeat at the 1925 election, McPhee led the Nationalists to victory in the 1928 election, by a narrow single seat over Labor.He was sworn in as Premier on 15 June, also taking the portfolios of Treasurer, Minister for Forestry and the Hydro-Electric Department.