party members, and members of caucus, believed the party could have done better under new leadership. Donald C. MacDonald had led the Ontario NDP and its predecessor, the Cooperative Commonwealth Federation, since 1953, and was seen as out of touch with the younger, more radical mood of the 1960s. Renwick was persuaded to challenge MacDonald for the party leadership in 1968, but was defeated in a leadership vote. Renwick was re-elected in 1971, 1975, 1977 and 1981, and remained a Member of Provincial Parliament until his death. Renwick was elected president of the federal NDP in 1967. In 1982, he was a prominent supporter of Richard Johnston's bid to lead the provincial NDP. During his time in the legislature he was described as an "independent thinker and a tough and knowledgeable critic" of matters concerning law and justice. He died on November 28, 1984, after suffering a heart attack. References External links 1917 births 1984 deaths Ontario New Democratic Party MPPs Presidents of the New Democratic Party of Canada Trinity College (Canada) alumni University of Toronto alumni