1989 Conservative Party (UK) leadership election 1989 Conservative Party (UK) leadership election The 1989 Conservative Party leadership election took place on 5 December 1989. The incumbent Margaret Thatcher was opposed by the little-known 69-year-old backbencher MP Sir Anthony Meyer. It was the Conservative Party's first leadership election for nearly 15 years, when Thatcher had taken the party leadership. During 1989 the Conservative government led by Thatcher had run into difficulties. The Chancellor of the Exchequer, Nigel Lawson, had resigned in October over Thatcher's determination to follow the advice of her advisers, specifically Sir Alan Walters. In June Labour won their first national electoral victory since 1974
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