The 1970 Ontario New Democratic Party leadership election was held in Toronto, Ontario, on October 4, 1970, to elect a successor to Donald C. MacDonald as leader of the Ontario New Democratic Party (NDP). The election was necessary because MacDonald announced he would not seek re-election as leader at the party's 1970 convention. Stephen Lewis won on the first ballot, defeating Walter Pitman.
Background Outgoing ONDP leader Donald C. MacDonald was officially neutral, but quietly favoured Pitman.
Lewis was perceived to be the more left-wing of the two candidates. His victory was attributable to strong support from unions, particularly the United Steelworkers, as well as from younger party members.
Candidates Douglas Campbell Douglas Campbell was a perennial candidate from Toronto. He was previously an independent candidate for St. Paul's in the 1962 federal election. Campbell worked as a teacher.
Stephen Lewis Stephen Lewis was the Member of Provincial Parliament (MPP) for Scarborough West. He was first elected in the 1963 provincial election.
Walter Pitman Walter Pitman was the Member of Provincial Parliament (MPP) for Peterborough. He was first elected in the 1967 provincial election. Before entering politics, he was a teacher.
Endorsements MPPs: (1) Morton Shulman (High Park) Municipal politicians: (1) Ruth Grier (Etobicoke Councillor)
Voting results CandidateVotesPercentageStephen Lewis 1,188 64.18 Walter Pitman 642 34.68 Douglas Campbell 21 1.13Total 1,851 100
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