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
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