George Leake (1785 – 1849) was an early settler and merchant in the Swan River Colony (now Western Australia). Arriving in the colony in the 1820s, he established a trading firm that dealt in imports, exports, and local supply of goods. Leake acquired substantial land holdings, including properties in Perth and the surrounding region. He was a prominent member of the colonial community and served on various unofficial advisory bodies, although the colony did not have a formal legislative assembly during much of his residence. He died in 1849, leaving behind a family that continued to be influential in Western Australian affairs.
George Leake (1855 – 1902) was an Australian lawyer and politician who served as the 2nd Premier of Western Australia from May 1901 until his death in June 1902. Born in Perth, he was educated at the University of Adelaide and later practiced law in Western Australia, becoming a King's Counsel in 1900. Leake entered politics as a member of the Legislative Assembly for West Perth in 1894. He was appointed Attorney-General in the ministry of Sir John Forrest and subsequently became leader of the opposition after Forrest's resignation. As Premier, Leake led a minority government supported by a coalition of liberal and labour members, focusing on fiscal consolidation and infrastructure development. His tenure was marked by attempts to resolve financial difficulties inherited from previous administrations. Leake died in office on 24 June 1902; his death prompted a succession crisis that eventually led to the formation of the first party-based government in Western Australia.
Both individuals are notable for their contributions to the early commercial development and political governance of Western Australia. Their legacies are documented in historical records such as the Australian Dictionary of Biography and parliamentary archives.
