The earliest settlers (ie: the mutineers) lived to a form of proto communism. As we have seen, Thomas Cock was the first chairman of The Council. Theoretically Leading Citizens were elected ( in practice they were unopposed proposals) and recallable and rules were approved by committees. Although the office was open to challenge, Cock fulfilled the role to everyone's satisfaction until his untimely death in 1791.
Rowley Rowley (1755- 1800) was viewed as Cock's natural successor, and again enjoyed an unchallenged tenure as the island's Leading Citizen. He was put into the limelight briefly by the crisis of 1794-5, but displayed impressive diplomacy and articulacy during the British takeover and the Slave Revolt.
On the death of Rowley it seemed natural that the senior surviving mutineer, Samuel Hooper, should become the chairman of the Council. Hooper, who was born in Lowestoft in about 1745, was, by his own reckoning, uncomfortable in the company of others and particularly nervous around the 'officer class'. He was a man of few words, and was more concerned with developing his little fishing industry from the settlement of Hooper's Point.
After six months as Leading Citizen Hooper asked to be excused of his duties, saying he was getting too old and that someone else would represent the people better. Hooper returned to his boats and the longevity that all members of his family enjoy, passing away in 1830.
Following Hooper's resignation Tamba- Tamba chose its first homegrown Leading Citizen. Again, the selection was unopposed. Renton Lazenby Cock (1780- 1840) was the eldest son of Cock and a Wessel's island girl who Cock had renamed Eliza.
The dynastic feel of the first citizenship was cemented when the islanders unanimously chose John Cock (1810-1860) as his late father's replacement. It was John who changed the family name to Cox. John Cock enjoyed a very good relationship with Governor Brougham Sleight and, as we have seen, played a significant role in the development of the Kakoyship. He managed to safeguard the liberties of the islanders whilst also encouraging Sir Brougham's eccentric regal ambitions. Contemporary observers were impressed by Cox's tact and artfulness, which allowed Brougham Kakoy to feel that he truly was the lord of Tamba- Tamba whilst having very little influence on the day to day affairs of the island.
As is so often the case following the death of John Cox, who had been an accomplished and artful (if Machiavellian) leader, there was no one of his calibre to fill the vacancy.
Life on the island went on, but the last four decades of the 19th century were anything but an era of progress on Tamba- Tamba.The position of Leading Citizen became less relevant to the political life of the island.The Council became increasingly insignificant and Brougham Kakoy accrued more influence whilst hardly noticing, so engrossed was he in his regal fantasies.
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