The prime minister, J.B.M. Hertzog, a former Boer General, wanted to stay neutral, but Parliament, included most members of his own party, supported his deputy, Jan Smuts. Like Hertzog, Smuts also famously commanded Boer forces during the war but nonetheless favored entering the war on the side of the Allies. Sir Patrick's refusal to call a new election rendered Hertzog a lame duck, after losing a vote of no-confidence he resigned from office. Sir Patrick swiftly commissioned Smuts to form a new government.