Heath as leader Flashcards
when Edward Heath became leader he had?
clear + detailed programme of policies for the modernisation of Britain
Heath already been leader of opposition for ?
5 years = longer than any conservative leader since the war , apart from Churchill
he was the first conservative party leader to have been ?
elected to the leadership of the conservative party
-had been educated at state schools
Because heath had been educated in state schools he therefore came from ?
a different social background from the old etonions who previously dominated conservatives
Heath’s character
-often perceived to be rather stiff and prickly in dealing with people
-unlike Wilson not seen as devious or interested in plots + intrigue
-many colleagues regarded him too honest for his own good + not skilful enough in pleasing political allies
Heath was good at?
good at policies but not at politics
Heath seemed well prepared for government. How?
spent his time in opposition developing detailed policies= especially on industrial relations + economic modernisation
he also knew the issues surrounding EEC entry inside out how?
having been the chief negotiator 1961-63
after economic + industrial problems 1970-74 + election defeats of 1974 what happened and who emerged as key challenger?
several backbench MPs determined to force a leadership contest
-Margaret Thatcher emerged as a key challenger
Margret Thatcher
-policies generally right of Heath and Macmillian = sympathetic to monetarist and free-market policies put forward by Enoch Powell + Keith Joseph
-gained first cabinet post in 1970=education secretary in 1970
-became prime minister after 1979 general election= dominated British politics for next 11 years
who defeated Heath in 1975 election?
Thatcher + following this Heath’s reputation took a battering from supporters of Thatcherism who repudiated much of his legacy
