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
1985 Progressive Conservative Party of Ontario leadership elections from power for the first time in 44 years. Miller resigned as leader, and a new convention was called, to be held again in Toronto. Timbrell and Grossman announced their intentions to run, along with Alan Pope, who had been Minister of Natural Resources in the Davis government. This time, Grossman had a clear lead going into the convention. Pope was dropped after the first ballot, and Grossman a narrow victory on the second ballot. First ballot: Second ballot: 1985 Progressive Conservative Party of Ontario leadership elections In 1985, the Ontario Progressive Conservative Party held two leadership elections: one in