United Kingdom general election, 1970

The United Kingdom general election of 1970 was held on June 18, 1970, and resulted in a surprise loss of power for Labour under Harold Wilson, who was replaced as Prime Minister by the Conservative leader, Edward Heath. The election was also a setback for the Liberal Party under its new leader Jeremy Thorpe, which lost half its seats. The Conservatives, when combined with the Ulster Unionists, held a majority of 31 over all other parties.

Related Topics:
June 18 - 1970 - Labour - Harold Wilson - Prime Minister - Conservative - Edward Heath - Liberal Party - Jeremy Thorpe - Ulster Unionists

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Most opinion polls prior to the election had predicted a comfortable Labour victory, and had put Labour 12.4% ahead of the Conservatives. However on the day, a late swing gave the Conservatives a 3.4% lead.

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