1975 Conservative Party (UK) leadership election 1975 Conservative Party (UK) leadership election The 1975 Conservative Party leadership election was held in February 1975, in which the party's sitting MPs voted Margaret Thatcher as party leader on the second ballot. Previous leader Edward Heath stood aside after the first ballot, in which he unexpectedly finished behind Thatcher. The Conservatives were the official Opposition to the Labour government, so Thatcher also became Leader of the Opposition. Edward Heath, leader of the Conservative Party and Prime Minister had called and unexpectedly lost the February 1974 general election. Although the Labour Party were able only to form a minority government,
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