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
2004 Conservative Party of Canada leadership election the National Citizens Coalition (1998-2002) Caucus Endorsements 37, CEO of Magna International (2001-) Caucus Endorsements Points needed to win: 15,401 Each of 308 ridings had 100 points which were distributed by proportional representation according to votes cast by party members in the riding. 2004 Conservative Party of Canada leadership election The 2004 Conservative Party of Canada leadership election took place on March 20, 2004, in Toronto, Ontario, and resulted in the election of Stephen Harper as the first leader of the new Conservative Party of Canada. The Conservative Party was formed by the merger of the Canadian Alliance and the