1916- . British Conservative politician,
party leader 1965-75. As prime minister
1970-74 he took the UK into the European
Community, but was brought down by economic
and industrial relations crises at home.
Heath entered Parliament 1950, was minister
of Labour 1959-60, and as Lord Privy Seal
1960-63 conducted abortive negotiations for
Common Market (European Community)
membership. He succeeded Home as Conservative
leader 1965, the first elected leader of his
party. Defeated in the general election 1966,
he achieved a surprise victory 1970, but his
confrontation with the striking miners as
part of his campaign to control inflation led
to his defeat Feb 1974 and again Oct 1974. He
was replaced as party leader by Margaret
Thatcher 1975, and has since become
increasingly critical of her policies and her
opposition to the UK's full participation in
the EC.