History of the Labour Party (UK) 1983 election, Labour suffered a landslide defeat, winning only 27.6% of the vote and securing just 209 seats. This was their worst performance at a general election since 1918. Labour won only half a million votes more than the SDP-Liberal Alliance, which had attracted the votes of many moderate Labour supporters, although the Alliance only won 23 seats. Michael Foot criticised the Alliance for "siphoning" Labour support and allowing the Tories to win more seats. Michael Foot resigned and was replaced as leader by Neil Kinnock who was elected on 2 October 1983 and progressively moved the party towards the
1976 Labour Party (UK) leadership election majority, the candidate with the lowest number of votes was eliminated (in this case Healey). A final run-off ballot was held six days later. Immediately upon his election as Labour leader, Callaghan succeeded Wilson as Prime Minister. 1976 Labour Party (UK) leadership election The 1976 Labour Party leadership election occurred when Harold Wilson resigned as Leader of the Labour Party and Prime Minister. It is the only occasion the Labour Party has had a leadership election with more than one candidate whilst in government. In the first ballot, held on 25 March, six candidates vied for the leadership: As a