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.

Most opinion polls prior to the election had predicted a comfortable Labour victory, and had put Labour up 12.4% ahead of the Conservatives. However on the day, a late swing gave the Conservatives a 3.4% lead. Commentators believed that an unexpectedly bad set of balance of payments figures released in polling week, and loss of national prestige after England's defeat in the world cup, contributed to Labour defeat. Another possible cause was complacency among Labour supporters, reflected in a lower than usual turnout.

The most notable casualty of the election was George Brown, Deputy Leader of the Labour Party, who was defeated by the Conservative candidate in the Belper constituency which he had represented since 1945.

Results

Total votes cast: 28,305,534. All parties are listed. The Conservative figure includes 8 Ulster Unionists.

See also

• MPs elected in the UK general election, 1970

1970 elections | United Kingdom general elections