= Edward Heath = '''Edward Heath''' was a [[UnitedKingdom/ConservativeParty|Conservative]] politician, member of the [[UnitedKingdom/Parliament|Parliament]], and [[UnitedKingdom/PrimeMinisters|prime minister]] of the [[UnitedKingdom/Democratization|United Kingdom]]. <> ---- == History == When called up for service during [[WorldHistory/WorldWar2|World War 2]], Heath received commission as an officer of the [[UnitedKingdom/ArmedForces#British_Army|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 [[UnitedKingdom/Parliament|Parliament]] as a [[UnitedKingdom/ConservativeParty|Conservative]]. He quickly rose through the ranks of the party whips. He was appointed to the cabinet by [[UnitedKingdom/HaroldMacmillan|Macmillan]] as part of his shakeup following the October 1959 general elections. After [[UnitedKingdom/AlecDouglasHome|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, [[UnitedKingdom/LabourParty|Labour]] formed a minority government; [[UnitedKingdom/HaroldWilson|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 [[UnitedKingdom/PrimeMinisters|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 [[UnitedKingdom/LiberalParty|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 [[UnitedKingdom//MargaretThatcher|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. ---- CategoryRicottone