1976 Liberal Party (UK) leadership election the only time it was ever used to elect a Liberal leader. The election was won by David Steel, who served as leader of the Liberal Party until merger with the Social Democratic Party (SDP) in 1988, forming the Liberal Democrats. David Steel later served as interim leader of the Liberal Democrats (jointly with Bob Maclennan of the SDP) for the duration of the 1988 leadership election which eventually elected Paddy Ashdown as the new party's first permanent leader. 1976 Liberal Party (UK) leadership election The 1976 Liberal Party (UK) leadership election was called following the resignation of Jeremy Thorpe
British Columbia Liberal Party leadership elections as permanent leader at a subsequent convention. Source: "Vancouver Sun", January 21, 1929 Source: "Montreal Gazette", 31 May 1930 Source: "The Leader Post", 3 December 1941 Source: "Saskatoon Star-Phoenix", 11 December 1947 Source: "Vancouver Sun", 9 April 1953 Source: "Montreal Gazette", 19 May 1959 Source: "The Leader-Post", 7 October 1968) One other candidate, Clive Tanner, had been in the race through the spring and summer, but withdrew in August after sustaining a leg injury which affected his ability to campaign. The rounds were counted in terms of points, with 100 points allocated per electoral district. British Columbia Liberal Party leadership