biography
| name: |
Heath, Sir Edward (Richard George)
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known as Ted Heath
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| sex:
| male
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| lived:
| (1916– )
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| biography:
| British statesman and prime minister (1970–4), born in Broadstairs, Kent, SE England, UK. He studied at Oxford, served in the Royal Artillery in World War 2, and became an MP in 1950. Following a career in the Whip's office (1951–9), he was minister of labour (1959–60), then Lord Privy Seal (1960–3) and the chief negotiator for Britain's entry into the European Economic Community. Elected Leader of the Conservative Party in 1965, he was Leader of the Opposition until his 1970 victory. After a confrontation with the miners' union in 1973, he narrowly lost the two elections of 1974, and in 1975 was replaced as Leader by Mrs Thatcher. He continued to play an active part in politics, and was Father of the House (of Commons) from 1997 to his retirement in 2001. He is known for his interests in yachting, having won the 1969 Hobart Ocean race and captained the British entry in the Admiral's Cup races of 1971 and 1979. He is also an accomplished musician, giving organ recitals and conducting at charity concerts. |
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