The Heath vs Wilson Elections (Episode 3 of 4): The February 1974 General Election

In the latest instalment of their miniseries on the Heath vs Wilson elections, Lee and Richard consider Edward Heath's gamble on a general election in February 1974. Having u-turned on the policy agenda that got him elected in 1970 and run into intractable issues with the trade unions - leading to a state of emergency and energy rationing - Heath could see few better options than calling an election. But throughout the campaign it becomes clear that he doesn't really have a plan for overcoming the crisis, win or lose. Does the public think bringing back Harold Wilson would be a step in the right direction? Or are they beginning to look elsewhere, beyond the two major parties?

In this episode, the following books are discussed:

'Downing Street in Perspective' by Marcia Falkender

'The Spicer Diares' by Michael Spicer

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Since Attlee & Churchill is a podcast about post-war British politics - literally since Attlee & Churchill - and is hosted by Lee David Evans, an historian of the Conservative Party, and Richard Johnson, an historian of the Labour Party.

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