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February 4th 1975

Thank you. Ladies and gentleman if I may have your utmost attention. Being the Chairman of the 1922 Committee, I declare the that the number of votes cast for each candidate was as follows. Fraser, Hugh Charles Patrick Joseph - eleven. Heath, Edward Richard George - one hundred and sixty two. Thatcher, Margaret Hilda - ninety two. I declare that the said Edward Richard George Heath is re-elected leader of the Conservative Party.

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A History of Modern Conservatism in Britain

It was an immense blow to the Tory right. Just hours before the voting started, rough estimates had put Thatcher at 120 votes or more. The general view as to why these estimates were grossly inaccurate is that a large number of backbenchers simply suffered from a case of cold feet - or perhaps some form of internal sexism. But a more likely explanation is the ineptness of the Thatcher campaign. She didn't herself canvass for votes in the tea rooms - choosing instead to leave it to close supporters. Nevertheless (and as ironic as it may seem), the re-election of the old and battered Heath marked the beginning of a new era in British politics.

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The Wilson-Heath Years

Despite losing the support of nearly 40% of the parliamentary Tories, Ted Heath was both pleased and stunned to have secured a first ballot victory. Thatcher and Fraser both sent messages of congratulation within minutes of the result. Heath could now look forward to many more battles with Wilson...or so he thought.
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