In 1971, former SoCred MLA Scott Wallace, who represented Oak Bay, crossed the floor to join the PCs, becoming its first MLA in 15 years. The attention translated into nearly 13% of the vote in the 1972 election and two seats - Wallace's and Hugh Curtis in Saanich and the Islands, both in the Victoria area. Warren was unable to win his own seat. The election was won by the CCF's successor party, the New Democrats (or NDP), who took advantage of the split between the SoCreds, Tories, and resurgent Liberals to form a majority government.