At that time the leader of the Labour Party was elected only by Labour MPs. In the first ballot, announced on 4 November 1980, there were 112 votes for Healey, 83 for Foot, 38 for John Silkin and 32 for Peter Shore. Silkin and Shore dropped out, declaring their support for Foot. The second ballot result, announced on 10 November, was 139 votes for Foot and 129 votes for Healey.
So what if at least six Labour MPs who had voted for Foot, voted for Healey? Would a Healey leadership have prevented the formation of the Social Democratic Party [SDP]? Although I think the Conservatives would still have won the 1983 general election, it would have probably been with a considerably smaller majority. I expect Healey would become Prime Minister after a Labour victory in the 1987 general election.
Without the SDP the Liberal Party would continue but most likely with less electoral success than the Liberal Democrats.
What are your ideas for developments in British politics from 11 November 1980 to the present day if Healey was elected Labour leader?
So what if at least six Labour MPs who had voted for Foot, voted for Healey? Would a Healey leadership have prevented the formation of the Social Democratic Party [SDP]? Although I think the Conservatives would still have won the 1983 general election, it would have probably been with a considerably smaller majority. I expect Healey would become Prime Minister after a Labour victory in the 1987 general election.
Without the SDP the Liberal Party would continue but most likely with less electoral success than the Liberal Democrats.
What are your ideas for developments in British politics from 11 November 1980 to the present day if Healey was elected Labour leader?