Cle Newhook

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Cleophas James "Cle" Newhook (June 3, 1943 – March 2, 2018) was a Canadian theologian, author and politician in Newfoundland and Labrador. He led the provincial New Democratic Party from 1989 to 1992.

Newhook was born in Norman's Cove, Newfoundland, the son of Ernest Newhook and Elizabeth Smith. He studied theology at the University of Oxford and spent five years as an Anglican priest in England, where he ran community education and development programs in inner cities. He also served as chair of the British Association of Settlements and Social Action Centres. Later he worked as a marketing consultant and led Landscape Newfoundland and Labrador. At Memorial University, he was the coordinator of student services and also served as the university chaplain.

He directed the Ocean Ranger Families Foundation, created after the 1982 oil rig disaster that killed 84 men. The foundation helped the families involved and pushed for changes to prevent future disasters.

Before entering electoral politics, Newhook was involved with both federal and provincial NDP groups. He became provincial NDP leader after defeating Gene Long in the 1989 leadership race. A month later a provincial election was held, and the NDP lost both seats amid a Liberal surge led by Clyde Wells. In 1990, the NDP won a seat again when Jack Harris won a by-election in St. John’s East. Newhook himself failed to win seats in the 1991 Trinity North by-election and the 1992 Ferryland by-election, finishing third in Ferryland. He stepped down as leader in 1992 and was succeeded by Jack Harris.

He later served on Newfoundland's Electoral Districts Boundary Commission in 2006. Newhook died on March 2, 2018, after a short battle with cancer.