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 and 1965 local 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. Meanwhile, Labour formed a minority government; Wilson then called snap elections again in March 1966, and secured a majority through it.
The next two elections are notable for their historic unpredictability. The June 1970 general elections were expected to widen the Labour lead, but instead handed the Conservatives a majority. Heath became PM and began a comprehensive reform of the British welfare state. Heath then called for snap elections in February 1974 expecting to bolster his majority, but instead lost it. The Liberals rejected coalition talks, leading to the return of Wilson.
Heath was challenged for the leadership in February 1975. He lost the first round to Thatcher and withdrew his candidacy. Ultimately she won the contest, and he refused a series of appointments from her government.
He remained in Parliament for several decades, and finally retired at the May 2001 elections.