1975 New Democratic Party leadership election

1975 New Democratic Party leadership election

July 4 – 7, 1975

RB Candidate Ed Broadbent Rosemary Brown Fourth ballot delegate count 984 (59.9%) 658 (40.1%) First ballot delegate count 536 (33.1%) 413 (25.6%)

Leader before election David Lewis Elected Leader Ed Broadbent

1975 New Democratic Party leadership election

Date	July 4 – 7, 1975
Convention	Winnipeg, Manitoba
Resigning leader	David Lewis
Won by	Ed Broadbent
Ballots	4
Candidates	5

The New Democratic Party held a leadership election in Winnipeg, from July 4 to 7, 1975 to choose a new leader following the retirement of David Lewis. Ed Broadbent was elected as his successor. Rosemary Brown made the first attempt by woman-of-colour to run for leader of a major recognized Canadian political party and came in second. This convention marked the beginning of fourteen years of party unity and stability that allowed it to reach its best electoral performances of the 20th century.

Leadership vote

Delegate support by ballot

Candidate	1st ballot		2nd ballot		3rd ballot		4th ballot
Name	Votes cast	%	Votes cast	%	Votes cast	%	Votes cast	%
Ed Broadbent	536	33.1%	586	36.1%	694	43.4%	984	59.9%
Rosemary Brown	413	25.6%	397	24.5%	494	30.9%	658	40.1%
Lorne Nystrom	345	21.3%	342	21.1%	413	25.8%
John Paul Harney	313	19.3%	299	18.4%
Douglas Campbell	11	0.7%
Total	1,618	100.0%	1,624	100.0%	1,601	100.0%	1,642	100.0%

References

• Morton, Desmond (1986). The New Democrats, 1961-1986 : the politics of change (3 ed.). Toronto: Copp Clark Pitman. ISBN 0-7730-4618-6.
• Smith, Cameron (1989). Unfinished Journey: The Lewis Family. Toronto: Summerhill Press. ISBN 0-929091-04-3.