Edward Heath

:For the bandleader, see Ted Heath (bandleader).

Retirement

Heath, a lifelong bachelor, remained bitter over his defeat and was persistent in his criticisms of the party's new ideological direction for many years. After the 1979 general election he was offered, and declined, the job of British Ambassador to the United States. He continued to be seen as a figurehead by some on the left of the party up to the time of the 1981 Conservative Party conference.

Related Topics:
Bachelor - 1979 - British Ambassador to the United States - 1981

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In the second 1974 general election Heath had called for an all party "National Government". Some commentators believe that after losing the leadership Heath's aim was to await a major crisis in British politics and be available as a potential "elder statesman" who could head such a government. However no such crisis came that led to a breaking down of the conventional political processes that would have called for such a government.

Related Topics:
Second 1974 general election - National Government

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Heath continued to serve as a backbench MP for the London constituency of Old Bexley and Sidcup until retiring from Parliament at the 2001 general election, by which time he had been created a Knight of the Garter and was the longest-serving MP and "Father of the House". In this capacity he oversaw the election of two people as Speaker of the Commons, namely Betty Boothroyd and Michael Martin.

Related Topics:
London - Old Bexley and Sidcup - 2001 general election - Knight of the Garter - Father of the House - Speaker - Betty Boothroyd - Michael Martin

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In August 2003 Heath suffered a pulmonary embolism, while on holiday in Salzburg, Austria. He lived in Salisbury until his death from pneumonia on July 17, 2005, at the age of 89.

Related Topics:
2003 - Pulmonary embolism - Salzburg - Austria - Salisbury - Pneumonia - July 17 - 2005

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