Edward Heath the Liberal Party. Despite losing a second general election in October that year, he vowed to continue as leader of his party. In February 1975, Margaret Thatcher challenged and defeated him to win the leadership. Returning to the backbenches, Heath became an active critic of Thatcher's leadership. He remained a backbench MP until retiring at the 2001 election, serving as the Father of the House for his last nine years in Parliament. Outside politics, Heath was a world-class yachtsman and a talented musician. He died in 2005, aged 89. He is one of only four British prime ministers never to
Jim Heath politics." The book also received positive reviews from Rick Klein, Political Director of ABC News; Jeff Zeleny, CNN's National Political Correspondent; Dr. Larry Sabato, Director, University of Virginia Center for Politics; Former Ohio Governor Ted Strickland; U.S. Senator Rob Portman; Kevin Madden, Senior Adviser and Spokesman, Mitt Romney for President 2012; and David Wilhelm, former Chairman of the Democratic National Committee and Campaign Manager for Bill Clinton for President in 1992. During the 2012 presidential campaign, Heath made national news following an interview with Republican presidential hopeful Mitt Romney. During the interview, which took place in Columbus, Ohio, Heath asked