History of the Conservative Party (UK) holding a leadership election to allow him to renew his mandate. In spite of his track record as Conservative party leader, which had included defeat at three out of four general elections, few both inside and out of the party expected him to be seriously challenged, let alone defeated. However, Margaret Thatcher stood against Heath and in a shock result outpolled him on the first ballot, leading him to withdraw from the contest. Thatcher then faced off four other candidates to become the first woman to lead a major British political party. Thatcher had much support from the monetarists, led
2011 Scottish Conservative Party leadership election Oct - Ballot papers are distributed to Scottish Conservative party members. 4 Nov - Ruth Davidson is declared the new leader of the Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party. 2011 Scottish Conservative Party leadership election The 2011 Scottish Conservative Party leadership election was an internal party election to elect a new leader of the Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party, the third largest political party in the devolved Scottish Parliament. Ruth Davidson was declared the winner of the contest on 4 November 2011, succeeding former leader Annabel Goldie. The election was triggered when incumbent party leader Annabel Goldie announced her resignation on