1975 Conservative Party (UK) leadership election cabinet members pledged their support for Heath including Jim Prior, Peter Carrington, Leader in the House of Lords, and Robert Carr, Shadow Chancellor. However Margaret Thatcher opted to stand, with Airey Neave as her campaign manager, as did backbencher Hugh Fraser. Even then many believed that Heath would win easily. Thatcher's support was seen as minimal, with all the Conservative daily newspapers backing Heath (although the weekly "The Spectator" backed Thatcher). As the election went on it became clear that the race was going to be much closer, as Thatcher became the clear candidate to be supported by discontented backbenchers.
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