Liberal Party Frontbench Team, 1967–76 aide to Mr. Thorpe. Commonwealth affairs. overseas development. Mr. Richard Wainwright ((Colne Valley): Treasury. labour, economic affairs. Dr. Michael Winstanley (Cheadle,: Rome °Mee. health. Post °Mee. ... Liberal Party Frontbench Team, 1967–76 Members of the British Liberal Party's Frontbench Team from 1967 to 1976 (leaderships listed chronologically): Mr. Thorpe announced changes in the organisation of the Parliamentary Liberal Party, and the reallocation of duties among the 12 Liberal M Ps. Mr. Jo Grimond. who resigned as Leader of the party last month. has been invited to undertake a general oversight of foreign affairs. defence, and regionalism. His sphere will Include
Jeremy Thorpe its oil supplies. The speech delighted the more radical elements in the Liberal Party but outraged many Conservatives, who used the derisive nickname "Bomber Thorpe" for the rest of Thorpe's parliamentary career. In March 1966 Wilson called an election, hoping to improve his tiny parliamentary majority. He did so, increasing it to almost 100. The Liberals, although their overall share of the vote fell to 8.5%, increased their number of MPs from nine to 12, an indication of success in selective campaigning under the "Winnable Seats" strategy. Thorpe suffered a personal disappointment in North Devon, where his majority dropped to