History of the Conservative Party (UK) Foreign affairs select committee described the lack of planning as "gross negligence" which made his successor's task much more difficult. In July 2016 Theresa May succeeded David Cameron as Tory Leader and Prime Minister following Andrea Leadsom's withdrawal from the leadership contest. She is the second woman to lead the party and subsequently the second female Prime Minister, following Margaret Thatcher. With the support of 199/320 Conservative MPs, May was seen as the most experienced figure who could unite the party after a bitter campaign in which Michael Gove, a supporter and running mate of Boris Johnson, publicly declared Johnson
1975 Conservative Party (UK) leadership election As Chairman of the 1922 Committee, Edward du Cann managed the election. After his defeat in the first ballot Heath asked Shadow Chancellor of the Exchequer Robert Carr to "take over the functions of leader" until a new leader was elected. The first ballot had the following result: <section begin="First ballot: 4 February 1975"/> <section end="First ballot: 4 February 1975"/> As a result of the first ballot, Fraser was eliminated. Heath resigned, but another ballot was needed: <section begin="Second ballot: 11 February 1975"/> <section end="Second ballot: 11 February 1975"/> 49-year-old Thatcher became the first woman to be elected leader of