Joseph Roberts Smallwood, the first premier of Newfoundland and Labrador, and the only living father of Confederation, announced his intention to retire from politics in 1968. However, he changed his mind and instead ran for the Liberal leadership against John C. Crosbie. He was eventually defeated in the 1971 election by Progressive Conservative leader Frank Moores. Smallwood's last days in politics were marked by controversy and backroom deals.