Edward Heath
Edward Heath was a Conservative politician, member of the Parliament, and prime minister of the United Kingdom.
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History
When called up for service during World War 2, Heath received commission as an officer of the Royal Artillery. He achieved the rank of lieutenant-colonel by the time he was demobilized.
Heath briefly worked in the civil service but resigned to run in the February 1950 general elections. He won election to the Parliament as a Conservative. He quickly rose through the ranks of the party whips. He was appointed to the cabinet by Macmillan as part of his shakeup following the October 1959 general elections.
After Douglas-Home led the party to defeat in the October 1964 general elections, he resigned and organized a leadership contest. This was the first time that a party leader was selected by ballot among all MPs. Heath narrowly won this election.