Thomas Rideout

Rideout, Thomas

Thomas Gerald Rideout, teacher, politician, premier of Newfoundland (b at Fleur-de Lys, Nfld 25 June 1948). Rideout was elected to the Newfoundland legislature as a Liberal in 1975 but broke with that party in 1980 to support Conservative premier Brian PECKFORD in his efforts to win provincial control of the offshore mineral resources. He entered the Cabinet as minister of culture, recreation and youth in Oct 1984 and in April 1985 was named minister of fisheries in March 1989. The party chose him as leader when Peckford resigned and he became premier. Rideout held an election immediately and was defeated by the Liberal Party led by Clyde WELLS after only one month in power. He resigned as Opposition leader in Oct 1991 to accept an appointment to the federal immigration and refugee board in Newfoundland. He was succeeded by Len Simms as Conservative leader.