1988 Labour Party (UK) leadership election final 30% of the votes. Neil Kinnock became leader of the Labour Party in 1983 following the resignation of Michael Foot. The party had been moving towards the left, something that Kinnock sought to change. At the 1987 general election, Kinnock was placed front and centre of the Labour campaign, leading to claims that it was almost presidential. Margaret Thatcher's Conservative Party, seven points ahead in the polls, won the election despite a 1.2% swing to Labour. Rumours were spreading early in 1988 that Tony Benn was planning a leadership challenge against Kinnock. The 63-year-old Benn had lost his seat
1980 Labour Party (UK) leadership election to stand by left-wingers who believed that only he could defeat Healey. In the event, Foot won by a margin of 10 votes in the final ballot of MPs. The result of the first ballot of Labour MPs on 4 November was as follows: In the second ballot, held six days later, there was a run-off between Healey and Foot. This was the last leadership election to be conducted amongst Members of Parliament only, an electoral college was introduced for future contests. 1980 Labour Party (UK) leadership election The 1980 Labour Party leadership election was held following the resignation of