United Newfoundland Party - Post-Confederation

Post-Confederation

The second United Newfoundland Party was formed prior to the 1959 provincial election, made up of people opposed to the more radical wing of the Progressive Conservative Party of Newfoundland and Labrador, some of whom still wished for Newfoundland independence. The party was formed immediately prior to the election when two Tory MHAs, led by James D. Higgins, supported Premier Joey Smallwood's stance in favour of Newfoundland receiving financial assistance from the federal government indefinitely. Conservative leader Malcolm Mercer Hollett had been an opponent of Newfoundland joining confederation during the 1948 referenda and many of his supporters in the party continued to oppose confederation. While the UNP elected two MHAs in 1959, Higgins was defeated. Gus Duffy succeeded Higgins as UNP leader and siting with fellow UNP MHA John R. O'Dea who stepped down after one term. In the 1962 provincial election, Duffy was defeated in his St. John's Centre riding. The party became defunct soon after.